Danida Fellowship Centre invites Danish universities and research institutions to apply for up to DKK 10 million in funding for sustainable development research. Learn more about eligibility, priorities, guidelines, and key deadlines
Advancing Global Development Through Collaborative Research
The Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC) has officially launched its 2026 Call for Applications – Phase 1, inviting universities and research institutions across Denmark to submit proposals for development-focused research. Anchored in the strategic frameworks “A Changing World – Partnerships in Development” and “Africa’s Century,” this call aims to support innovative research that strengthens global partnerships and contributes to sustainable development outcomes.
The selected projects will receive up to DKK 10 million each, with research programs lasting up to five years. Projects prequalified through Phase 1 will advance to Phase 2, where full proposals will be considered. Successful initiatives are expected to begin in April 2027.
Strengthening Research for Sustainable Development
Danida’s development cooperation agenda highlights the need for strategic research collaborations capable of tackling today’s most urgent global challenges. The 2026 Call reflects these priorities by encouraging proposals that support:
- Sustainable development solutions
- Social, economic, and environmental resilience
- Equitable and inclusive partnerships
- Capacity strengthening in low- and middle-income countries
Through its funding, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to invest in high-quality research that advances knowledge, fosters institutional growth, and serves communities most affected by global development challenges.
Promoting Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
A central pillar of the 2026 Call is Danida’s unwavering commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. The Ministry strongly encourages participation from researchers of all backgrounds—regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability status, religion, or age.
By ensuring that research teams reflect diverse perspectives, Danida aims to enrich the relevance, cultural understanding, and impact of funded projects. Inclusive and gender-sensitive research approaches remain a key selection criterion throughout the review process.
Application Support and Information Session
To help institutions prepare strong, competitive proposals, Danida Fellowship Centre is providing a comprehensive suite of support services. Applicants will have access to:
- Video guides demonstrating how to navigate the e-application system
- Proposal writing instructions and guidance on designing high-quality submissions
- Assessment criteria and examples of successful proposals
- Tools on science communication and SDG engagement
- Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) frameworks
- General Conditions governing Danida-funded research
In addition, DFC will host an online information session on:
📅 18 November 2025
⏰ 13:30–15:00 CET
This session will include detailed guidance on the call’s thematic areas, application requirements, and submission procedures. It will be recorded and made available online to ensure accessibility for applicants worldwide.
For further inquiries, applicants may contact the Research Management Team at [email protected].
Governance and Quality Assurance
All research initiatives funded by Danida operate under established General Conditions ensuring accountability, transparency, and scientific excellence. Oversight is provided by the Consultative Research Committee for Development Research (FFU). This multidisciplinary body evaluates project quality, scientific rigor, and thematic relevance.
The FFU plays an essential advisory role throughout the selection and implementation phases, ensuring that each funded project aligns with Denmark’s strategic development objectives.
Geographical Focus and Priority Partner Countries
Danida-funded research must support sustainable development in eligible partner countries, with a particular focus on Africa and other low-income regions. Priority countries are those highlighted in Denmark’s long-term development strategies and global partnerships.
Projects typically involve collaboration between Danish institutions and research organizations in partner countries, fostering mutual learning, knowledge exchange, and long-term capacity strengthening.
DFC serves as a strategic broker, connecting institutions across borders and supporting capacity development within the Global South. Partnerships may also involve regional bodies or international organizations when relevant.
Project Duration, Funding, and Collaboration Requirements
Funding Details
- Maximum grant per project: DKK 10 million
- Project duration: Up to 5 years
- Start date: Expected April 2027
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong scientific expertise and research competence
- A proven track record in the thematic area
- Clear strategies for collaboration and capacity strengthening
- Commitment to equitable, interdisciplinary, and inclusive research design
The projects are encouraged to integrate PhD researchers, postdocs, and emerging scholars, enabling long-term academic growth in both Denmark and partner countries.
The Role of Early- and Mid-Career Researchers
A strong emphasis is placed on nurturing the next generation of researchers. Danida encourages research proposals that:
- Engage young scholars from partner-country institutions
- Offer mentorship opportunities
- Strengthen institutional research capacity
- Promote knowledge transfer and joint scholarly outputs
This approach supports sustainable development not only through research outcomes but through academic empowerment.
About the Danida Fellowship Centre
The Danida Fellowship Centre is an independent institution established in 1990 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. With administrative offices in Holbæk and training facilities in Frederiksberg, the Centre employs 31 staff members, including junior Danish trainees.
DFC’s mission is to:
- Strengthen global research partnerships
- Promote knowledge exchange between Denmark and partner countries
- Support capacity-building through training, research, and collaboration
Its work spans research management, fellowship administration, communication, and capacity development.
For updates, the Centre provides a regular online newsletter featuring funding calls, events, and learning opportunities.
Office hours are Monday–Friday with telephone availability from 10:00 to 15:00.
Strategic Vision: Building Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
Through its annual Calls for Applications, Danida continues to drive impactful research that supports global development, builds institutional capacity, and strengthens international partnerships. By championing diversity, inclusion, and innovation, the 2026 Call invites Danish institutions to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges through collaborative scientific inquiry.
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