The Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Open PhD Fellowships. These prestigious, fully funded fellowships are designed to empower exceptional researchers from around the world to pursue transformative PhD studies in Denmark.
DARA supports groundbreaking research that dares to ask big questions, develops novel approaches, and drives scientific discovery across the technical, natural, and medical sciences. The fellowships offer generous funding, comprehensive academic support, and exclusive networking opportunities to ensure that fellows thrive in Denmark’s dynamic research environment.
This is an outstanding opportunity for qualified candidates who are passionate about shaping the future of science, technology, and innovation through dedicated research. Whether you are a recent graduate or currently enrolled in a master’s program, DARA welcomes your application if you meet the necessary eligibility criteria and have a suitable host supervisor at a Danish institution.
Overview of the Fellowship Program
The DARA Open PhD Fellowships provide selected candidates with full financial support to undertake a PhD in Denmark, including provisions for salary, tuition, and research expenses. The initiative is committed to enabling highly ambitious, curiosity-driven research with the potential to open up new frontiers of knowledge and deliver long-term societal value.
The program will award nine (9) fellowships in the 2025 round.
Fellowship Benefits
Each DARA Open PhD Fellowship includes the following:
1. Fully Funded Salary Support
- Each fellow will receive a salary in accordance with Danish PhD employment standards.
- The total salary support provided is up to 1,575,000 DKK, which covers the full duration of the PhD program.
- The specific employment terms and structure will depend on the hosting Danish university and the chosen PhD model (5+3 or 4+4).
2. Research Project Supplement
- A project supplement of 750,000 DKK will be provided per fellowship.
- These funds are intended to support the fellow’s research activities, including materials, laboratory usage, fieldwork, equipment, software, and travel related to the project.
- This supplement aligns with Denmark’s national agreements between universities and private foundations to ensure transparent and fair funding structures.
3. Tuition and Enrollment Fees
- The fellowship will cover up to 240,000 DKK in tuition fees.
- This ensures that all PhD enrollment costs at the host institution are paid in full.
4. Mentorship and Academic Networking
- DARA fellows will benefit from priority access to the Academy’s exclusive educational programs, research workshops, and scientific events.
- Each fellow will be paired with an international mentor—a leading researcher from outside Denmark—who will offer guidance, perspective, and career support throughout the PhD journey.
5. Inclusive and Supportive Research Environment
- DARA emphasizes a research culture that is diverse, inclusive, and globally oriented.
- Fellows will be embedded within a collaborative and forward-thinking academic community across Denmark, including institutions in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the DARA Open PhD Fellowships 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Global Eligibility: The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries and backgrounds. There are no restrictions based on nationality, race, gender, age, religion, or disability.
- PhD Admission Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible for admission to a PhD program in Denmark under one of the two established pathways:
- The 5+3 model, which is based on a completed master’s degree.
- The 4+4 model, where candidates begin PhD studies while completing a master’s program.
- Academic Background: Applicants can be recent graduates or current students, as long as they satisfy the admission requirements of the host institution and have an approved research proposal.
- Supervisor Agreement: Each applicant must have a formal agreement with a principal supervisor who holds the position of professor, associate professor, or an equivalent role at a recognized Danish research institution.
- The principal supervisor must be affiliated with a Danish university or research institution (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands).
- Co-supervisors from either Danish or international institutions may also be included in the project team.
- Importantly, each principal supervisor can only host one active DARA-funded PhD fellow at a time. This does not apply to co-supervisors.
- Scientific Fields: The fellowship supports fundamental and applied research in the following broad disciplines:
a. Bioscience & Biomedicine
This area includes both fundamental life sciences and translational medical research. Eligible projects may involve:
- Molecular biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics and genomics
- Biomedical diagnostics
- Nutrition and public health
- Disease prevention and clinical innovation
b. Natural and Technical Sciences
DARA is interested in projects across the core physical sciences and engineering fields, such as:
- Physics (theoretical, experimental, or applied)
- Chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, or materials)
- Mathematics and mathematical modeling
- Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering
- Robotics, automation, and mechatronics
- Nanotechnology and microsystems
c. Data and Computer Sciences
Fellows in this domain may pursue research related to:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine learning and deep learning
- Software engineering
- Human-computer interaction (HCI)
- Cybersecurity and data privacy
- Theoretical computer science and algorithms
- Digital infrastructure and cloud computing
d. Biotechnology
Projects in this interdisciplinary area may involve:
- Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering
- Industrial and environmental biotechnology
- Agricultural biotechnology and bio-based production systems
- Biomanufacturing and sustainable processes
- Bioprocessing and fermentation technology
Application and Selection Process
The DARA Open PhD Fellowship process is competitive and merit-based. Applicants will be evaluated on the scientific excellence, feasibility, and transformative potential of their proposed research. In addition, reviewers will consider the applicant’s academic background, motivation, and commitment to contributing meaningfully to their field of study.
Application Requirements
To submit a complete application, candidates must provide:
- A full research proposal detailing the project aims, methodology, anticipated outcomes, and alignment with DARA’s scientific priorities.
- A confirmation of agreement with an eligible principal supervisor.
- Proof of eligibility for PhD admission to a Danish institution (depending on the 5+3 or 4+4 model).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and research experience.
- Academic transcripts and, if applicable, degree certificates.
- A motivation letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the fellowship and its relevance to their career goals.
- Any letters of recommendation or supporting documents required by the enrolling university.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be judged based on:
- Originality and scientific relevance of the proposed project.
- Methodological rigor and feasibility.
- Applicant’s academic potential and past achievements.
- Suitability and research environment of the host institution.
- Strength of the mentorship arrangement.
- Alignment with DARA’s goal of supporting diverse, inclusive, and impactful science.
Important Dates and Timeline
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: Successful fellows are expected to begin their PhD studies in early 2026, depending on university enrollment schedules and visa arrangements.
Contact and Further Information
If you have questions or require support with your application, please feel free to reach out to:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +2349098044444
DARA strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as those with interdisciplinary and collaborative research goals, to apply.
For detailed application guidelines, eligibility confirmations, and to access the official application portal:
Visit: https://www.dara.dk/fellowships-2025 (Replace with actual link if different.)
We look forward to receiving applications from bold thinkers, passionate innovators, and driven scholars ready to take on some of the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. This is your opportunity to join a vibrant research ecosystem, collaborate with global experts, and make a lasting contribution to science and society.
Deadline for Applications: August 29, 2025
Apply now and take the first step toward becoming a part of Denmark’s world-class scientific community.
