The Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to pursue innovative PhD studies in Denmark. This fully supported program invites applicants to propose their own data science project and collaborate with a recognized Danish host institution. Designed to nurture future leaders in data-driven research, the fellowship welcomes strong candidates eager to contribute to cutting-edge advancements across the field.
To qualify, applicants must meet the admission requirements of a Danish PhD program under the 3+5, 4+4, or 5+3 structures. They must present a well-defined research plan, secure a confirmed supervisor from a Danish university, and complete enrollment in the appropriate PhD school by December 15, 2026. Open to international and domestic candidates alike, the fellowship supports both theoretical and applied data science disciplines, ensuring inclusive access to Denmark’s vibrant research ecosystem.
Benefits of Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026
• Three-year PhD fellowship valued at DKK 1.9 million (+ 5% administrative costs).
• Opportunity to pursue independent research ideas.
• Training within a strong Danish research environment.
• Alignment with leading foundations: Novo Nordisk Foundation & VILLUM FONDEN.
• Support for innovative projects that contribute to the advancement of data science.
Eligibility for the Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities are welcome to apply.
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The fellowship supports any field within applied or theoretical data science that aligns with the scope of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and VILLUM FONDEN.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Must be eligible for a Danish PhD programme (3+5, 4+4, or 5+3 model).
• Must have a well-defined project proposal.
• Must have secured an agreement with a principal supervisor at a Danish university.
• Must enroll in the relevant PhD School before December 15, 2026.
• Projects must be based at a Danish research institution.
• Candidates who applied in previous DDSA calls but were not selected are encouraged to reapply.
• Industrial PhDs, co-funded positions, or applicants already enrolled in a PhD School are not eligible.
How to Apply for Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026?
Submission:
- Via DDSA Funding Portal
Application Sections:
- Research Project
- Abstract: max 2,500 characters; purpose, methods, significance
- Project Description: max 8,000 characters; background, research questions, methods, outcomes, literature
- Data Availability Statement: max 2,500 characters; ethical considerations, approvals if needed
- Motivation Letter: max 4,500 characters; your motivation for PhD, research questions, suitability, societal impact
- Research Environment
- Principal Supervisor: CV (max 2 pages) + signed support letter
- Co-Supervisor (optional): CV (max 2 pages)
- Research Environment Description: max 2,500 characters; collaboration fit and host support
- Applicant Qualifications
- CV: max 6,000 characters; education, research experience, programming, publications, teaching, conferences
- Recommendation Letters (optional): max 2 uploads
- Certificates & Grades:
- Master’s applicants (5+3 model): Bachelor & Master certificates + transcripts
- Non-Master’s applicants (4+4 or 3+5 models): Bachelor certificate + transcripts; include supervisor statement if not completed
- All materials must be in English
- You can navigate the portal freely between sections, save drafts, and review before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026 offers ten fully funded PhD positions, targeting young researchers with strong projects in data science. Applications require a supervisor agreement, align with funders’ scope, and must be submitted by March 4, 2026.
What is the Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026?
The Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026 offers ten three-year PhD fellowships valued at DKK 1.9 million each. It targets visionary young researchers wishing to pursue independent data science research in collaboration with Danish universities.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must have a well-defined project and an agreement with a principal supervisor at a Danish university. Candidates can apply through the 3+5, 4+4, or 5+3 PhD models and must enroll in the relevant PhD school before December 15, 2026.
What research areas are supported by the fellowship?
The fellowship supports theoretical and applied data science research aligned with the funding scope of VILLUM FONDEN or Novo Nordisk Foundation. Projects can focus on methods, innovative applications, or both, and must demonstrate novelty and impact.
Can candidates without a Master’s degree apply?
Yes. Applicants without a Master’s degree can apply through the 4+4 or 3+5 PhD models. They must provide a statement from their Bachelor’s thesis supervisor if their degree is not yet finalized and meet the English proficiency requirements.
What are the supervisor requirements for applicants?
Applicants must have a principal supervisor who is an associate professor or professor at a Danish university in the relevant research field. Supervisors can have co-supervisors, but each can only supervise one DDSA-funded PhD per instrument per year.
How should the application be submitted?
Applications must be submitted via the DDSA Funding Portal. The form includes three sections: Research Project, Research Environment, and Applicant Qualifications. Applicants can navigate freely and save their progress before final submission.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit an abstract (max 2,500 characters) and a project description (max 8,000 characters) including background, research questions, methods, expected outcomes, and cited literature. All documents must be in English.
What is the fellowship’s deadline?
The application deadline for the Danish Data Science Academy Fellowship 2026 is March 4, 2026, at 23:59 (UTC +01:00). Applications submitted after this time will not be considered. Early preparation and submission are recommended.
Are industrial PhDs or co-funded projects eligible?
No. The DDSA Fellowship does not fund industrial PhDs, co-funded projects, or students already enrolled in a PhD program. Only new PhD projects aligned with the fellowship’s research scope are eligible for funding.
What are the key objectives of the fellowship?
The fellowship aims to attract and educate excellent PhD students, promote scientific excellence, and extend the application of data science across disciplines. It supports student-driven projects with academic freedom in a strong Danish host environment.
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