Denmark DDEA PhD Scholarships 2025

About the Denmark DDEA PhD Scholarships 2025

The Denmark DDEA PhD Scholarships 2025 represent a unique opportunity for aspiring researchers who are passionate about diabetes, metabolism, or endocrinology. Offered by the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA), this program is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial innovation. It aims to foster dynamic collaborations between Danish universities and life-science companies by supporting ambitious PhD candidates through Industrial PhD projects.

For the 2025 cycle, DDEA is offering up to three Industrial PhD Scholarships, each valued at 1,100,000 DKK. This funding covers both the candidate’s salary and tuition fees for two years of their three-year doctoral study. By supporting industry-integrated research, this scholarship scheme promotes the development of impactful scientific knowledge that can be translated into practical health solutions. The program supports researchers who are ready to contribute to advancements in the treatment and understanding of endocrine and metabolic disorders through meaningful, collaborative academic-industry research.

The scholarship is intended for highly qualified candidates who are either recent graduates or professionals with a master’s degree, looking to pursue research within Denmark’s vibrant academic and life-science environment.

Eligible Fields

The Denmark DDEA Industrial PhD Scholarships focus on research areas that are highly relevant to public health and scientific innovation. These include:

Diabetes: Investigations into the causes, treatments, and management of diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
Metabolism: Research into biochemical processes and how they relate to energy use, nutrient absorption, and disease.
Endocrinology: Study of hormonal functions and disorders, including thyroid disease, adrenal disorders, and reproductive health.

These fields are central to DDEA’s mission of improving the prevention and treatment of endocrine and metabolic diseases, and applicants must ensure that their proposed research aligns with at least one of these core areas.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the DDEA Industrial PhD Scholarships 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree from a Danish university or a recognized equivalent foreign institution by the application deadline of 20 August 2025.

Applicants must not be enrolled in any PhD program as of 26 November 2025.
The proposed PhD project must clearly demonstrate collaboration between a Danish academic institution and a life-science company. This includes joint supervision and an integrated research plan.
The principal academic supervisor must be a professor or associate professor employed at a Danish university.

Involvement of a co-supervisor from the industrial partner (life-science company) is strongly encouraged to ensure the research remains industry-relevant.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear connection between their research objectives and DDEA’s mission, as well as a realistic plan for completing the project within the PhD timeline.

Selection Criteria

All submitted applications will be thoroughly assessed based on the following selection criteria:

International collaboration: Projects that engage with global research networks or international institutions are given added consideration.
Interdisciplinary integration: The ability of the project to draw upon multiple academic disciplines to create a more comprehensive approach to the research topic.
Cross-sector collaboration: A strong emphasis is placed on genuine collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors. Proposals should show mutual benefit and resource sharing between the university and the partnering company.

Patient and/or public involvement (PPI): Applications that incorporate patient perspectives or public engagement activities will be prioritized, as they ensure research relevance and community impact.

Shortlisted candidates will be evaluated further on the scientific quality of their proposal, the feasibility of the project, the strength of the collaboration, and the qualifications of the supervisory team.

Eligible Countries

The DDEA PhD Scholarships 2025 are open to candidates of all nationalities. However, applicants must hold a Master’s degree that meets the equivalency standards of Danish universities. International candidates are encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate eligibility, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to working in a collaborative Danish research environment. Fluency in English and the ability to work in cross-cultural academic and industrial settings are essential.

Benefits of the Denmark DDEA PhD Scholarships 2025

Selected candidates will receive substantial financial support and access to a well-structured academic and professional development environment. Key benefits of the DDEA PhD Scholarships 2025 include:

Total funding of 1,100,000 DKK per candidate: This amount is allocated over the course of two years and is designed to cover both salary and tuition fees.
Covers two years of the three-year PhD program: The final year of funding is expected to be supported by the industrial partner involved in the research project.

Access to academic and industry mentorship: Candidates benefit from having supervisors in both academia and the life-science sector, promoting a well-rounded research experience.
Enhanced career opportunities: Graduates of this program are well-positioned for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academic-industry policy advisory roles.

This scholarship creates a nurturing environment for candidates to develop cutting-edge research while gaining insights into the practical applications of their work.

How to apply

Interested applicants should carefully prepare their application to meet both academic and administrative requirements. The application process involves the following steps:

Develop a detailed research proposal: The proposal should highlight a clear and innovative research plan that aligns with DDEA’s focus areas and demonstrates strong collaboration between a Danish university and a life-science company.
Confirm your eligibility: Ensure you hold a relevant Master’s degree and are not currently enrolled in a PhD program. Also, confirm the eligibility and availability of your proposed supervisory team.

Assemble your supervisory team: You must have a principal supervisor (professor or associate professor) from a Danish university. A co-supervisor from a collaborating life-science company is highly recommended.
Prepare supporting documents: This may include your CV, degree certificates, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and confirmation of the industrial partnership.
Submit your application via the official DDEA application portal: All applications must be submitted electronically before the deadline of 20 August 2025 at 23:59 CET.

Visit the award webpage for more details and updates: Applicants should review the official webpage regularly to ensure they have the most current information.