Villum Foundation wishes to strengthen interdisciplinary research in Denmark with an initiative focusing on the interdisciplinary field of data-driven science. They support research opportunities at the interface between the core data sciences (notably, computer science, statistics, and applied mathematics) and other disciplines. Indeed, continued advances in digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and the ensuing massive volumes of data call for interdisciplinary collaborations that combine methodological and technical expertise in data science with other scientific expertise in domain fields from the technical and natural sciences, the humanities and the social sciences.

This call is an opportunity to create excellent interdisciplinary research, by bringing together a team of research experts from different disciplines to work together on a joint research challenge.

The Villum Synergy programme has two grant types: 

Initiation projects with a budget of up to DKK 4.5 million to kick-start new collaborations that can run for up to three years.

Full projects with a budget of DKK 9-14 million for well-established collaborations that can benefit from a larger grant which can run for three to five years.

Applications are assessed based on scientific excellence resulting from interdisciplinary collaboration. The assessment and selection process is divided into two steps.

Step 1: The applications are assessed by the scientific committee for Villum Synergy based on the Terms of reference (see Funding Toolbox). The committee decides which applications should continue to step 2 and which applications should be rejected.

Step 2: Applications for full projects which proceed to step 2 are sent for external peer review and the applicants are invited for an interview with the scientific committee.

For more information, please visit the call website 

Please let us know if you need support with your proposal no later than: October 1st 

Applications that do not meet this deadline will not be guaranteed support from Fundraising & Project Management.

The application process consists of a one-stage submission consisting of 4 PDF documents:

• Proposal. 
• Budget. 
• CV for each PI. 
• Letters of support from the host institutions of the two PI’s. 

• Your local funding advisor is your first point of contact for support. 
• Find more information on which instruments and what type of support F&P offers here
• Find our annual wheel of funding here

AAU Seed Money can be used to support the preparation of an application, including activities such as proposal writing, meetings with potential consortium partners, and involvement of an external consultant.

AAU Seed Money is available both at faculty level and through AAU’s missions. For details on available funding amounts, application deadlines, and specific faculty requirements, please contact your local funding advisor.

The projects must involve two Principal Investigators (PIs), both of whom are tenured scientific staff at a Danish university:

• One PI should be from the fields of computer science, statistics or applied mathematics
• One PI should be from a domain field which can be chosen broadly (excluding health science)

An applicant can only be PI on one application.

The profile of a potential main PI should be based on the following criteria:

• Has a project idea within the interdisciplinary field of data-driven science.
• Preferably Research Leaders (Established/Prof.), Research Leaders (Mid-career/Associate Prof.), Research Leaders (junior/non-tenured).
• Is up to date with international state-of-the-art in his/her field of research.
• Is nationally and internationally recognized within the field.
• Has experience in writing applications in English (not necessarily Villum Synergy projects).
• Has time, as well as the desire and willingness, to be responsible for a Villum Synergy project.
• Has aligned his/her resources with the head of department.
• Has a network at national and international level and the ability to collaborate with a research group from another discipline.
• Agrees to be the primary penholder in the application.

Funding & Project Management will host an annual information meeting on Villum Synergy grants.

There are no courses available at the moment.

Fundraising & Project Management offers:

• Assistance in assessing whether Villum Synergy is the right fit for you and the research idea.
• Preparation of a timeline to ensure a smooth application process. 
• One review of the application, including concrete suggestions for changes/additions/considerations.
• Review of the application budget. 
• Assistance with submission of proposal to Villum

Meetings

Fundraising & Project Management offers:

• Get Started meeting - At the meeting an agreement is made on support/expectations and the involvement of both Fundraising & Project Management and the local funding support team at department level. In addition, the applicant will be advised on the time schedule and the application process. If necessary, a brief introduction to Villum and the Synergy Grants can be provided.
• Status meetings when required until submission 

Tools

Fundraising & Project Management offers a range of tools that are helpful when applying for Villum Synergy Grants, such as:

• Application template, including Terms of reference template
• Budget template

Tools for Villum Synergy Programme are available in the Funding Toolbox.

Review of application 

Fundraising & Project Management offers one structured proposal feedback during the application process. The feedback includes:

• An in‑depth review of the application, providing concrete suggestions for changes, additions, clarifications, or strategic considerations.
• Feedback aimed at strengthening coherence, alignment with call expectations, clarity of narrative, and overall competitiveness.

The review supports the applicant in refining the proposal and ensuring a high‑quality final submission.

Submission

Fundraising & Project Management offers administrative support regarding questions about submission to Villum.

Budget

The budget is managed at the department level, with Fundraising & Project Management providing guidance, recommendations, and alignment support as needed. For further information, please contact your local funding advisor.

The application support process is evaluated twice a year by means of an online survey to coordinators.

No project management is offered from F&P