The Foundation

“Our core mission is to fund innovative research by the best people in optimal surroundings. By recognizing and trusting their talent, we expect top researchers to deliver potentially groundbreaking results, thereby boosting the international competitiveness and impact of Danish research”.

The frontiers of all scientific fields

The Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) is an independent organization established by the Danish Parliament in 1991 with the objective to promote and stimulate basic research at the highest international level at the frontiers of all scientific fields. The Center of Excellence (CoE) program is the main funding mechanism, but also a number programs and initiatives have been launched specifically targeted at increasing the level of internationalization of Danish research communities.

Since 1991, the foundation has committed itself to supporting Danish research with more than 5 billion DKK (nearly 700 M euro).

Genuine improvements in the Danish research system

In 2003, an international panel evaluated the foundation. The panel concluded that the CoE initiative has brought about genuine improvements in the Danish research system. Furthermore, the panel noted that about a quarter of the centers had achieved distinction as world leaders in their respective fields, a conclusion that has been repeatedly confirmed in subsequent evaluations of individual centers.

Read the Evaluation report 2003 of the DNRF’s Centres of Excellence

Find more information about the foundation in the menu on the left.