Lundbeck Foundation Start-Up Programme

About the grant

The Lundbeck Foundation has a strategic goal to make Denmark a frontrunner in the field of neuroscience by funding Danish-based research that promotes a better understanding of the brain and better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders.

At the same time, our grants must help to ensure that Denmark has the best graduates and scientists at all career levels in the fields of biomedical, clinical and health sciences in Denmark.

Lundbeck Foundation believes that diversity strengthens science and for this reason diversity, including, but not limited to, gender and ethnic origin, is encouraged. It is therefore important that we receive applications for recruitment from all backgrounds.

Research theme

The research should be within the field of basic or clinical neuroscience, or science with clear relevance to neuroscience. The term ‘neuroscience’ is used here in its broadest sense, hence including medical, technical, natural and social sciences as well as humanities.

Who can apply?

University or hospital leaders with hiring authority for permanent positions  

Which proposals are eligible?
 

1. Positions that align with the institution’s strategy for strengthening its research, scientific and educational activities in neuroscience 
2. Permanent positions with salaries covered by the institution 
3. Positions at the associate professor or professor level 
4. Candidates coming from active research positions outside Denmark or the industry for at least two years prior to the recruitment     
5. Candidates that start with full-time commitment within a year after approval of the program
6. Research proposals with short- or long-term impact on the advancement of neuroscience and/or therapies for nervous system disorders.
7. Preapproval must be obtained before the start of the candidate

How much?

DKK 6 mill for up to 4 years for associate professors (or Professor MSO).
DKK 10 mill for up to 4 years for full professors. 

How to apply?

You must submit your application, written in English, via the Lundbeck Foundation’s application system at https://nomination.lundbeckfonden.com/login
Please note that the Foundation will not consider or assess any application material which is not submitted via the application system.

Applications can be pre-approved based on 1-5 above.
Final approval requires for the successful candidate a:

• Research plan
• Publication list
• CV 
• Budget
• Description of how the research plan align with the institution’s strategy for strengthening the neuroscience activities
• The evaluation by the institution´s assessment committee

Evaluation process 

Preapproval by the Foundation’s Research and Prize Committee will be based on the position’s alignment with the institution’s strategy to strengthen its educational activities within neuroscience and promote a better understanding of the brain or better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders.

Final approval by the Lundbeck Foundation Board will depend on:

• Scientific excellence of the research proposal
• Candidate’s profile
• Strategic fit between the institution’s strategy and the research plan

Important dates:

• The next deadline will be on March, 21, 2024 - 13:00 CET
• Preapproval can be expected after one month.
• The call will have quarterly deadlines.
  In 2024, the deadlines are January 10, March 21, June 25, and October 9.

What are the grant conditions?

If your proposal is successful, a contract will be drafted. As part of this process, you and your host institution will be required to accept the Lundbeck Foundation’s general grant conditions as well as individual, project-specific amendments, including requests for indirect costs, which will be subject to negotiation.

The purpose of the Lundbeck Foundation is to create powerful ripple effects that bring discoveries to lives through investing actively in business and science at the frontiers of their fields.