53 million DKK for research in artificial intelligence

Independent Research Fund Denmark is supporting 8 new research projects under the theme ‘Research on artificial intelligence’. 53.4 million DKK has been awarded to research focusing on the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence, aiming to strengthen Denmark’s position in the international competition for AI development.

The use of artificial intelligence in case processing in municipalities and the development of AI models’ ability to understand cultural contexts are examples of the topics that researchers behind the 8 new research projects seek to explore.

See all research projects under 'Research on artificial intelligence' in 2025 here.

The applications have been assessed and selected by the committee ‘DFF | Thematic research – Research on artificial intelligence’.

»In the applications, there was a strong focus on the explainability of AI models and the responsible use of AI. As a committee, we are pleased to see this focus, as it is an important one. It is about ensuring that we develop and use AI in a responsible way that aligns with our values, and that we do not leave the development of artificial intelligence solely to the big tech companies,« says committee chair Ira Assent, professor at Aarhus University.

In the assessment of the applications, emphasis was placed on supporting projects that address ethical questions in the development and use of artificial intelligence, and projects focusing on mathematical models to understand their use and application in AI development.

The projects must also contribute to the development of research-based solutions that focus on citizens’ rights, dignity, and independence. Anne Gerdes from the University of Southern Denmark focuses specifically on this in her research project, in which she will study the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare system.

Read the article about Anne Gerdes’ research project: How do we ensure that ethics and artificial intelligence go hand in hand in public healthcare?

The projects are also intended to help ensure the development of research-based solutions that prioritise citizens’ rights, dignity, and independence. The new research projects must also contribute to Denmark’s ability to retain and attract research talent in the field of artificial intelligence. Therefore, each project must include at least one PhD student or postdoctoral candidate.

Please note that grant amounts and the number of grants are subject to change following the upcoming administrative review.

Facts about the theme ‘Research on artificial intelligence’

Independent Research Fund Denmark received a total of 125 applications for this call. Grants were awarded to 8 projects, resulting in a success rate of 6% based on the number of applications.

This theme is one of twelve politically prioritised themes to which the fund will allocate funding in 2025.

Since 2018, Independent Research Fund Denmark has awarded grants under politically prioritised thematic calls, financed through annual political agreements on the allocation of the Danish Research Reserve.

The thematic instruments are open to applications from all scientific disciplines that can contribute relevant knowledge to the theme. Thematic research – as politically prioritised – serves as a supplement to the fund’s free and independent research funding based on researchers’ own curiosity-driven ideas.