The Start Package grant, aimed at making Danish universities more competitive in recruiting top researchers, is offering up to DKK 8 million for various professorial positions. The grant is intended to aid in recruitment and contract negotiations. The funding must be used to establish an independent research group at the host institution. The research must align with the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s 2030 Strategy, which includes areas like bioscience, data and computer science, robotics, quantum technologies, and more. The application process is open all year round, with grants awarded quarterly.
Introduction to the Start Package Grant
The Start Package Grant is a funding initiative designed to bolster the competitiveness of Danish universities and other research institutions in the recruitment of top-tier researchers, regardless of nationality. The grant also aims to promote researcher mobility across borders, among Danish universities, and from industry to university. The grant is intended to provide leverage for the hiring Danish university or research institution during recruitment and contract negotiations. It is also designed to accompany the offer of a position at various academic levels.
Grant Details and Purpose
The Start Package Grant is a four-year funding scheme that provides financial support to the host institution, which must be used in connection with the establishment of an independent research group at the host institution. The grant amounts vary depending on the level of the position offered. For a tenure track position at the assistant professor level, the grant can be up to DKK 4 million. For a time-unlimited position at the associate professor level, the grant can be up to DKK 6 million. For a time-unlimited position at the full professor level or a clinical- or clinical chair professor position with mandatory research responsibilities for a minimum of five years, the grant can be up to DKK 8 million.
Research Areas Supported by the Grant
The Start Package Grant supports research within medical sciences, life sciences, or natural and technical sciences. The research fields must align with the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s 2030 Strategy. The strategic focus areas include prevention of cardiometabolic disease, understanding and managing cardiometabolic disease, strengthening epidemic preparedness, sustainable and high yield agriculture, sustainable food and healthy diets, high-impact climate change mitigation technologies, and fundamental research in various scientific fields. The grant also supports interdisciplinary research and technology development with potential applications within health or sustainability.
Eligibility and Application Process
The eligibility for the Start Package Grant is determined by detailed requirements concerning mobility, position, and recruitment. The grant application process is open all year round, with grants awarded four times per year, following a quarterly submission deadline. Applications must be completed and submitted using the foundation’s application system, NORMA.
Contact and Additional Information
For inquiries about the Start Package Grant, interested parties can contact Anne Boutrup Stephansen, the Scientific Manager, or Rikke Stefansen, the Grant Manager. All projects funded by the grant are listed on the foundation’s website, where searches can be customized by grant year and category. Additional information on managing a grant and general information needed as a grant holder can also be found on the website.
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