Danish National Research Foundation

Danmarks Grundforskningsfond

København, Denmark

Science & Research

Grant-making foundationFounded 1991National reach

Profile last updated: April 3, 2026

About

Founded in 1991, Danish National Research Foundation is a grant-making foundation based in København, Denmark working on science & research.

The Danish National Research Foundation is an independent foundation established by law in 1991 that funds excellent basic research across all research fields in Denmark. It supports research environments at Danish universities through programmes including Centers of Excellence, DNRF Chairs, Pioneer Centers and Niels Bohr Professorships. The foundation is governed by a nine-member board and manages its capital through external portfolio managers under a responsible investment policy. It is based in Copenhagen.

Location

København, Denmark

Founded

1991

Organisation type

Grant-making foundation

Legal name

Danmarks Grundforskningsfond

Registration

17730290

Focus areas

basic researchresearch fundingDenmarkCenters of ExcellencePioneer Centers

Languages

DAEN

Causes & programmes

Causes

Science & Research

How they work

Grant-making

Programmes

Centers of Excellence

Science & Research · Denmark

Funds up to 10-year research centres, awarded in two funding periods, for leading researchers pursuing ambitious ideas.

DNRF Chairs

Science & Research · Denmark

Grants to motivate Danish universities to recruit outstanding researchers from abroad, including Danes returning from international positions.

Pioneer Centers

Science & Research · Denmark

A national initiative funding research centres aimed at transformative solutions to major societal challenges, in cooperation with private foundations.

Niels Bohr Professorships

Science & Research · Denmark

Professorships supporting visiting and recruited researchers at Danish universities.