News item
Independent research strengthened with 52 groundbreaking projects
52 talented researchers are set to elevate Danish research to new heights with their innovative and excellent research projects. Independent Research Fund Denmark has just awarded DKK 318 million to projects ranging from the challenges and benefits of deep-sea mining to how to create new plant-based foods that naturally contain vitamin B12.
Independent Research Fund Denmark has awarded funding to 52 researchers under the instrument DFF-Research Project2 for pioneering and original research ideas across all scientific fields. The grants give researchers the opportunity to pursue new and important research based on their very best ideas.
“By supporting independent research, we are giving some of the country’s most talented researchers the opportunity to follow their own best ideas. Independent research enables original, high-quality projects across all scientific fields – from fundamental insights to practice-oriented solutions. This means that all 52 projects receiving funding now have the potential to break new ground and contribute to societal development. I personally look forward to following the projects and the research breakthroughs they may lead to,” says Søren Serritzlew, Chair of the Board of Independent Research Fund Denmark.
See all research projects awarded a DFF-Research Project2 grant in 2025 here
The potential of glowing marine animals
The purpose of DFF-Research Project2 is to advance quality and foster collaboration in Danish research. It enables individual researchers to realise their strong and original research ideas in collaboration with other researchers. The competition for funding is fierce, with only about 9 out of 100 applicants receiving a grant.
The funded projects span all areas of science—from how family social mobility has been shaped by historical social, political and economic factors across eight generations, to new ways of combating harmful fungal diseases in crops, and to understanding why some people choose not to pay tax.
One project investigates why many marine animals light up when touched. Although this bioluminescence is widespread and likely plays an important role in marine ecosystems, we still know very little about its actual biological significance and function. Using the highly luminous and invasive “killer jellyfish” as a model organism, Jakob Rahr Winther from University of Copenhagen is exploring the potential of marine bioluminescence.
Facts: DFF-Research Project2
- Every year, Independent Research Fund Denmark’s five research councils are responsible for selecting the best and most groundbreaking research projects. The councils consist of 75 recognised researchers with strong academic expertise.
- A total of 566 researchers applied for DFF-Research Project2 funding.
- 52 applicants received a grant, totalling DKK 318 million.
- This corresponds to a success rate of 9.2 percent based on the number of applications versus the number of grants awarded.
- A DFF-Research Project2 typically runs for up to 4.5 years and involves multiple researchers (including postdoctoral candidates and PhD students), with a budget of between DKK 2.2 and 4.3 million, excluding overheads.
- The projects are often characterised by being coordinated and binding collaborations, and applicants must have significant, independent research experience at a high international level.
Please note that the mentioned amounts may be subject to change following the upcoming budget review.