The Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA) is calling for applications to its Summer 2025 Open Fellowship – a fully funded PhD programme for outstanding candidates with bold, transformative research ideas in the natural, medical, and technical sciences.
This prestigious opportunity offers up to 2.56 million DKK to support pioneering projects—especially those that challenge the status quo, introduce innovative methods, or tackle urgent scientific and societal problems. Whether you’re passionate about climate science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, health innovations, or renewable energy systems, this could be your path to a funded PhD in Denmark.
What the Fellowship Covers
- PhD Salary: Up to 1.57 million DKK over the fellowship duration
- Research Project Supplement: 750,000 DKK
- University Tuition Fees: Up to 240,000 DKK
- International Mentor: Matched with a top researcher in your field
- Priority Access: To DARA’s educational programmes, networking events, and research symposia
Who Should Apply
This fellowship is open to all nationalities, including Nigerian applicants, regardless of race, gender, or background. It’s especially ideal for aspiring researchers looking to study at the intersection of innovation and impact.
To apply, you must:
- Qualify for a PhD in Denmark (5+3 or 4+4 model)
- Have a Master’s degree (or be finishing one before enrollment)
- Secure a Danish principal supervisor (associate professor or above)
- Not currently funded by DARA through another PhD
You can also propose interdisciplinary or collaborative research, and include international co-supervisors.
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Eligible Research Areas
Proposals are welcome across a wide spectrum of disciplines:
- Biosciences & Biomedicine – diagnostics, therapeutics, nutrition, public health
- Engineering & Technology – robotics, mechanical systems, green tech
- Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
- Data & Computer Science – AI, cybersecurity, machine learning
- Biotechnology & Bioeconomy – synthetic biology, bio-manufacturing, sustainable agriculture
Your project must aim to push boundaries, challenge conventional ideas, and offer real-world value to society and the scientific community.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the DARA portal (email or paper applications will not be accepted). You’ll need to upload all supporting documents and fill out forms related to your proposal, personal background, and supervisor agreement.
Required Documents
- Research Summary (max 1,500 characters)
- Full Project Proposal (max 7,500 characters)
- Motivation Letter (max 3,000 characters)
- Your CV (max 5,000 characters)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts
- Supervisor’s Support Letter + CV
- Optional: Mentor CV, research environment description, illustrations
You can only submit one application, so ensure it’s thorough and well-written.
Application Timeline
- Deadline to Apply: August 29, 2025 (2:00 PM CEST)
- Results Announced: December 2025
- Start Date: From February 1 to June 15, 2026 (latest)
Note: Projects must begin within this window unless special approval is granted. Otherwise, the award will be withdrawn.
Evaluation & Selection
All applications will undergo a merit-based international peer review by field-specific experts. There are no interviews—your written proposal will carry the full weight of your application.
Selection will be based on:
- Your academic excellence and research experience
- Quality, originality, and ambition of your research proposal
- Feasibility of the project within a 3-year PhD timeline
- Strength of your host institution and supervisor
- Potential for societal or scientific impact
Why You Should Apply the DARA Open PhD Fellowship
DARA is more than just a scholarship—it’s a community of top-tier researchers, united by curiosity, excellence, and a shared goal of making science matter. As a DARA Fellow, you’ll participate in:
- An annual research symposium in Denmark
- Global networking events with researchers and foundations
- Mentorship by international experts in your field
It’s an ideal launchpad for a future in academia, industry, or scientific leadership.
Need Support?
Email the DARA Secretariat at info@daracademy.dk if you have questions about eligibility or the application process.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official DARA application portal to start your submission before August 29, 2025.
