219 million DKK for outstanding research ideas: 36 new Sapere Aude research leaders

The 36 Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant-recipients are promising, early-career researchers from across the scientific landscape who have already demonstrated research excellence in their fields. With this highly sought-after grant, they are now able to strengthen their own research ideas and develop their leadership skills by building and heading their own research groups at a high international level. At the same time, their groundbreaking ideas contribute to advancing Danish research and laying the groundwork for future scientific breakthroughs.

See the projects form this year’s Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant-recipients here.

Chair of the Board of Independent Research Fund Denmark, Søren Serritzlew, says:

"The researchers receiving a Sapere Aude grant are among the most talented early-career researchers in Denmark. They have shown both academic courage and originality in a highly competitive selection process, and they have the potential to establish strong research environments with lasting impact. Through their curiosity and academic strength, they help to move Danish research at world-class level forward – even in a rapidly changing world."

Tough competition and exciting research

In 2025, 354 researchers applied for a Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant. Only the 36 most promising applicants succeeded. They all went through a rigorous selection process, including assessment by the Fund’s research councils, international peer review, and an interview with an interdisciplinary selection panel. The final assessment focused on the applicants’ academic strength, communication skills, and leadership potential.

Each of the selected researchers receives a grant of approximately DKK 6 million to carry out their innovative research projects.

From financial influencers to oxygen levels in the deepest oceans

The selected Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant-recipients are developing their research projects based on their own best ideas, covering a wide range of scientific disciplines. What they all have in common is that they have already delivered research of the highest quality in their respective fields.

Their projects span diverse topics – from how a rapidly growing market of financial influencers is shaping the values of young Danish investors, to a novel method for measuring oxygen in the deepest oceans, and to how the brain listens to, remembers and predicts sounds.

Among the researchers is Rebecca Pittkowski from the University of Copenhagen, who is investigating how we can reduce the use of extremely rare elements in the process of converting water into hydrogen fuel. Her research could play an important role in the green transition.

Read the article about Rebecca Pittkowski’s research project here.

Another of this year’s Sapere Aude: DFF-Starting Grant-recipients is Christoffer Basse Eriksen from Aarhus University, who is examining how the publication of ‘Flora Danica’ and its description of Danish nature may have played a decisive role in the consolidation of modern European nation states.

Read the article about Christoffer Basse Eriksen’s research project here.

Please note: The stated grant amounts may be subject to change following the upcoming budget review.