40 new Sapere Aude Research Leaders awarded DKK 249 million

Forty researchers will now have the opportunity to pursue their own research ideas and strengthen their role as the research leaders of the future. Independent Research Fund Denmark has awarded DKK 249 million to 40 new Sapere Aude: DFF–Research Leader projects.

The Sapere Aude: DFF–Research Leader grants are awarded to early-career researchers who have already distinguished themselves within their field and who are now given the opportunity to build or strengthen research environments around their ideas.

See all this year’s Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leaders and their projects here.

The 40 projects span a broad range of disciplines – from natural sciences and technology to health sciences, social sciences and the humanities. The funded research includes projects on ADHD, pregnancy loss, new medicines for rare diseases, improved plant-based foods, and how to safeguard independent human thinking while making the most of AI. What the projects have in common is that they are based on the researchers’ own original ideas and an ambition to generate new knowledge.

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

"There is something truly special about Sapere Aude. Every year, we have the opportunity to recognise researchers who have demonstrated originality, academic courage and the ability to pursue new paths. These 40 researchers have already shown that they can create new knowledge, and they are now given the opportunity to develop their ideas on a larger scale and grow as research leaders. It is a great pleasure to help mark the beginning of what will, for many of them, become a defining chapter in their research careers.”

Read about one of the new Sapere Aude 2026 projects here: Can history help us understand why children do not like going to school?

The chair continues:

“At a time when society is facing major and complex challenges, new knowledge is essential. The insights, solutions and breakthroughs of tomorrow often begin with researchers who are given the opportunity to pursue new questions and challenge established ways of thinking.”

Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader grant is aimed at early-career researchers who have demonstrated the ability to conduct original research at a high international level. The purpose of the grant is to strengthen researchers’ opportunities to develop independent research profiles and build strong research environments.

Read about another one of the new Sapere Aude 2026 projects here: Can we create buildings out of moon dust? 

Read more about this years Sapere Aude: DFF Research Leaders here.

Please note that the stated amounts are subject to change following the upcoming budget review.

 

Facts about Sapere Aude: DFF–Research Leader

  • In 2026, Independent Research Fund Denmark awarded approximately DKK 249 million to 40 new Sapere Aude: DFF–Research Leader grants.
  • The instrument is aimed at early-career researchers who have demonstrated the ability to conduct original research at a high international level.
  • To reach this stage, the 40 researchers went through a comprehensive assessment process: first an individual external review and evaluation by a research council, followed by interviews with the chairs and vice-chairs of the fund’s five research councils, and finally selection by the fund’s Intercouncil Committee.
  • The purpose is to strengthen researchers’ opportunities to develop their own ideas, build research environments and develop as research leaders.