New research to improve well-being and strengthen learning in primary schools

Independent Research Fund Denmark has awarded nearly DKK 33 million to five innovative research projects, all with the overall goal of enhancing learning and well-being in primary schools. The projects contribute to strengthening practice-oriented research and cover a wide range of topics and methods.

How do we create inclusive learning environments for children in school, and how do digitalisation and screen use affect pupils’ learning outcomes and well-being? These are among the questions that the newly funded research projects funded by Independent Research Fund Denmark aim to explore.

“Of course, we have selected the projects based on their scientific quality, but I’m pleased to see that they also reflect the subthemes outlined in this year’s call. We are supporting groundbreaking research on mathematical learning challenges, inclusion in schools, digitalisation, and gender inequality. Taken together, this represents a strong body of research that can strengthen both school practice and teacher education,” says Ane Qvortrup, Professor at University of Southern Denmark and Chair of the thematic research committee ’DFF | Thematic research – Research on learning and well-being in primary schools’, which has assessed all applications and selected the funded projects.

Under the theme ‘Research on learning and well-being in primary schools’, it has once again been possible to apply for funding from Independent Research Fund Denmark for research projects that strengthen practice-oriented research and generate new knowledge about learning and well-being in primary schools. This year’s call placed even greater emphasis on practical relevance. This means that the research projects must contribute new knowledge and propose solutions to specific challenges, while also involving both researchers and other stakeholders – such as authorities, teachers, or educational institutions – in close collaboration.

See the five research projects under the theme ‘Research on learning and well-being in primary schools’ in 2025 here.

Artificial intelligence, the role of language in mathematics, and gender inequality

Among the funded projects are studies focusing on how pupils’ first language affects their ability to learn mathematics, how widespread gender bias is in schools, and how the emergence of artificial intelligence places new demands on pupils to become reflective writers and readers.

One of the projects also examines how schools and teachers can be better supported in meeting the needs of children with developmental or behavioural disorders.

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

 

Facts about the theme

Independent Research Fund Denmark received a total of 37 applications for this call. Grants were awarded to 5 projects, resulting in a success rate of 14% 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.