Learn everything about the Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026 – Phase 1, including funding amount, eligibility, deadlines, research themes, and how to apply online before 5 February 2026.

Overview

The Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026 (Phase 1) invite universities and research institutions in Denmark and eligible countries in the Global South to submit proposals for collaborative research projects.

Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Danida), these competitive research grants aim to generate innovative solutions to global sustainable development challenges while strengthening research capacity across borders.

Projects can receive up to DKK 10 million for a duration of up to five years and must demonstrate both scientific excellence and societal relevance.

Phase 1 Application Deadline: 5 February 2026, 13:00 CET
Online Information Meeting: 18 November 2025, 13:30–15:00 CET
Project Start Date: 1 April 2027

Research Themes for 2026

The Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026 focus on two thematic areas central to global development cooperation.

1. Climate Change, Environment, Vulnerability and Resilience

Research under this theme should explore the links between climate change, environmental transformation, and social vulnerability. Projects may address:

• Governance and institutional frameworks for adaptation and mitigation;

• Social, economic, and health impacts of climate vulnerability;

• Nature-based and locally-led climate solutions;

• Low-carbon transitions and inclusive environmental governance.

2. Health, Well-Being and Vulnerability

This theme targets research that promotes equitable health outcomes, focusing on:

• Maternal and child health;

• Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR);

• Non-communicable and infectious diseases;

• Strengthening health systems and global health security;

• The intersection between climate challenges and health.

More information on Denmark’s development cooperation strategies:

• A Changing World – Partnerships in Development

• Africa’s Century – Danish Engagement with African Countries

Eligibility Criteria

The Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026 are open to:

• Danish universities or research-based institutions registered in Denmark, with the capacity to (co-)supervise PhD students;

• Universities or research institutions in eligible countries in Africa and Asia that can demonstrate active partnerships with Danish institutions and prior participation in Danida-funded research since 2022.

Eligible partner countries include:
Algeria, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure gender balance, equitable partnerships, and strong capacity-building components.

Funding and Duration

Each selected project may receive up to DKK 10 million (approximately EUR 1.34 million) for a five-year implementation period.

Funding may cover:

• Salaries and research staff compensation;

• Educational grants for PhD students;

• Travel and fieldwork costs;

• Equipment, publications, and dissemination;

• Security measures and institutional overheads, as specified in the General Conditions.

Guiding Principles

Projects supported by the Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026 must:

• Contribute directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

• Apply a human rights-based approach and the principle of “Leave No One Behind”;

• Demonstrate interdisciplinary and contextually relevant research;

• Ensure equitable partnerships and the inclusion of researchers from the Global South.

Further guidance is available in:

• Strategic Guidance Note for Danish Support to Development Research (2024-25)

• Human Rights-Based Approach Online Course

Application Process

The application process consists of two phases.

Phase 1 – Concept Note Submission

• Deadline: 5 February 2026, 13:00 CET

• Submit via the SurveyMonkey Apply system

• Applications must be written in English and include CVs, endorsements, and a concise description of the project idea (maximum 12,000 characters).

Phase 2 – Full Proposal

• Deadline: 26 August 2026, 13:00 CEST

• Invited only for prequalified applicants from Phase 1.

• Final results and grant letters are expected by March 2027.

Additional resources:

• How to Write a Good Proposal (Guide)

• Assessment Criteria and Rejection Codes

For questions, contact the Research Management Team:
Email: ffu@dfcentre.dk
Phone: +45 3536 1322

Diversity and Ethics Commitment

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Danida Fellowship Centre uphold diversity, equity, and inclusion across all research initiatives. Applications are encouraged from all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, or disability status.

All projects must comply with policies on:

• Anti-corruption;

• Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH);

• Anti-terrorism and child labour prevention.

More details are available in the DFC Code of Conduct.

Why Apply for Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026

This funding opportunity empowers institutions to:

• Strengthen North–South research partnerships;

• Build local capacity through PhD and post-doctoral training;

• Generate evidence-based solutions to global sustainability challenges;

• Foster inclusive, equitable, and interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Through the Danida Fellowship Centre Research Grants 2026, researchers can directly contribute to transformative change in health, environment, and climate resilience while advancing global research cooperation.

How to Apply

Apply here: https://dfcentre.smapply.io/prog/call_for_research_applications_2026/
Phase 1 Deadline: 5 February 2026, 13:00 CET
More Information: Official Call Page

Contact Information

Danida Fellowship Centre
Hostrupsvej 22, DK-1950 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
Administration: Tidemandsvej 1, DK-4300 Holbæk
Phone: +45 3536 1322
Email: dfc@dfcentre.dk
Website: www.dfcentre.dk

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