Overview
The Sapere Aude Research Leader call offers up to DKK 4.45 million for up to four years to outstanding younger researchers building independent research leadership.
Complete grant details
Sapere Aude: DFF Research Leader is designed to help excellent younger researchers strengthen independent research ideas and leadership skills. The 2026 deadline is 7 October at 12:00 noon Danish time. Applicants may request up to DKK 4,450,000 excluding overhead for a project of up to four years. DFF expects to award approximately 35-40 grants in 2027. Funded projects may start from 1 August 2027 to 1 August 2028.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must have obtained a PhD or equivalent qualifications within three to eight years before the application deadline after applicable leave deductions. The programme targets younger researchers with evidence of high-level original research and leadership potential. Applications are submitted by the principal researcher through e-grant and must satisfy the requirements of the selected DFF research council.
Tips for this grant
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Check eligibility, funding coverage, study/project level and every required document before investing time in the application.
- Prepare transcripts, references, language tests, proposal/motivation statement and proof documents early.
- Separate the scholarship deadline from any university/program admission deadline; they may be different.
- Treat “fully funded” as a source fact only when the official provider explicitly confirms the covered costs.
Verification notes
Verified on 27 August 2026 against DFF's official 2026 call page. Deadline is 7 October 2026 at noon; funding is up to DKK 4.45 million excluding overhead; project duration up to four years; PhD age normally 3-8 years.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
Independent Research Fund Denmark ↗Browse current Job and Scholarship listings from Independent Research Fund Denmark →
