[Lundbeck Foundation](https://lundbeckfonden.com/en)

February 3, 2026 | April 9, 2026 | August 13, 2026 | October 22, 2026

DKK 7 million (associate professor) or DKK 11 million (full professor), up to 4 years.

Supports recruitment of top neuroscience researchers to permanent posts in Denmark, funding impactful research on brain disorders.

--- ## Description The Lundbeck Foundation Start-Up Programme aims to strengthen Danish neuroscience by facilitating the recruitment of leading researchers from abroad or industry into permanent positions at Danish universities or hospitals. The programme supports research that advances understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders. Projects may be in basic or clinical neuroscience or in other sciences with clear relevance to neuroscience, broadly defined to include medical, technical, natural, social sciences, and humanities. The initiative encourages diversity and is open to candidates from all backgrounds. --- ## Due Dates - February 3, 2026: Submission deadline (Call 2026 - quarterly deadline) - April 9, 2026: Submission deadline (Call 2026 - quarterly deadline) - August 13, 2026: Submission deadline (Call 2026 - quarterly deadline) - October 22, 2026: Submission deadline (Call 2026 - quarterly deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to DKK 7 million for associate professor positions (up to 4 years) - Up to DKK 11 million for full professor positions (up to 4 years) - For Danish university hosts, project supplement rates apply per national guidelines; for other institutions/hospitals, up to 10% of the budget can be reserved for project-related indirect costs. --- ## Eligibility - Only university or hospital leaders in Denmark with hiring authority for permanent positions may apply. - Eligible positions must be permanent, with salaries covered by the institution. - Positions must be at associate professor or professor level. - Candidates must have held an active research position outside Denmark or in industry for at least two years prior to recruitment. - Candidates must start with full-time commitment within one year after program approval. - A similar grant must not have been obtained from other sources. - Preapproval from the Lundbeck Foundation is required before a candidate can be formally employed and proceed to the final application step. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted in English via the [Lundbeck Foundation application system](https://nomination.lundbeckfonden.com/login). - Step 1: Institutional leaders apply for preapproval of the position. - Step 2: Upon preapproval, the selected candidate submits a research proposal for final evaluation. - Required documents for final approval include: - Research plan - Publication list - CV - Budget - Statement on alignment with the institution's neuroscience strategy - Assessment committee evaluation - Preapproval decisions typically take about one month. - Applications not submitted via the designated system will not be considered. --- ## Additional Information - The grant supports research with short- or long-term impact on neuroscience or therapies for nervous system disorders. - The Lundbeck Foundation's general grant conditions apply. - Requests for indirect costs are negotiable, following Danish national agreements for university-based projects. --- ## External Links - [Programme page and application instructions](https://lundbeckfonden.com/apply-grants/lundbeck-foundation-start-up-programme) - [Lundbeck Foundation general grant conditions (PDF)](https://www.lundbeckfonden.com/wp-content/uploads/General_Terms_and_conditions_for-Research-Grants.pdf) - [Guidelines for project supplement (universities)](https://dkuni.dk/aftale-om-en-faelles-model-for-finansiering-af-forskningsprojekter/) - [2023 Call PDF](https://lundbeckfonden.com/files/media/document/LF%20Start-Up%20grant%202023.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | More Info | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Peter Thostrup | Scientific Programme Director, Open Programmes | [pth@lundbeckfonden.com](mailto:pth@lundbeckfonden.com) | +45 3912 8021 | [Profile](https://lundbeckfonden.com/om-os/moed-os/peter-thostrup) | | Lundbeck Foundation | General Contact | [Contact Form](https://lundbeckfonden.com/en/contact-the-lundbeck-foundation) | +45 39 12 80 11 | [Funder Homepage](https://lundbeckfonden.com/en) |

Lundbeck Foundation Start-Up Programme

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