Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader

The instrument aims to develop the abilities and competencies of the most talented researchers nationally and internationally, and as research leaders. Deadline for applications at 12:00 PM, 2026-10-07 Objective In order to promote the education of researchers and strengthen internationalisation, DFF offers the funding instrument Sapere Aude (i.e., “dare to know”). The objective of this initiative is to develop the qualifications and competencies of the best research talents, both nationally and internationally. Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader is aimed at providing excellent younger researchers, i.e., researchers who have carried out top class research in their field, with the opportunity to develop and strengthen their research ideas as well as their competencies as independent research leaders of other researchers. The funding instrument also aims at promoting careers, international as well as national mobility among research environments, and to strengthen networks. Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader are targeted at top researchers who intend to gather a group of researchers and/or research students to carry out a research project at a high, international level. Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader furthermore strengthens the possibility for excellent younger researchers to return to a Danish research institution after a research stay abroad. DFF expects that a Sapere Aude: DFF-Research Leader project prepares the grant recipient to apply for an ERC funding instrument, or a similar international programme. DFF expects to award approx. 35-40 grants in 2027. Framework Budget limitations Up to DKK 4,450,000 excl. overhead. Project duration Up to 4 years. Seniority You must have obtained your PhD degree or equivalent qualifications within 3-8 years before the expiration of the application deadline. Specific periods of leave must be deducted. Read more under “About the applicant”. Starting dates Earliest: 1 August 2027 Latest: 1 August 2028 Offered by All councils and DFF | Cross-Council Committee