Children, youth and science in Denmark

Our support for children, youth, and science has an overarching goal: to promote more children and young people with strong science capital.

The natural sciences have profound implications for our shared culture, living conditions and perception of the world. Scientific and technological developments are advancing rapidly, and there are many dilemmas associated with the future organisation of society. Future generations need to be equipped to handle these challenges.

We want to contribute to ensuring that future generations make informed decisions regarding the interplay between nature, technology and people as well as the societal and ethical issues associated with them. We want to increase the number of children with strong science capital.

This requires knowledge of science and the scientific method, an understanding of how science and technology contribute to societal development and a curious and investigative approach to scientific and technological challenges.

We support projects in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands.

Programmes

Investigative real-world science education

We support projects with investigative and real-world science education in primary and secondary schools.

Current calls
1

Technology and hands-on expertise

We support projects with a focus on practical expertise and didactics, enabling children and young people to learn in ways that are application-oriented and in...

After-school science activities

We support fun, educational and inspiring after-school activities that bring science and technology into the lives of children and young people, making science a natural...

Current calls
1

Diversity in didactics and education

In Children, youth and science, we support projects that focus on developing methods and approaches for a more inclusive and gender-sensitive didactics. The aim is...

Evaluation and analysis

We prioritise the evaluation and development of shared knowledge so we all become more knowledgeable about how best to strengthen the science capital in children...

Watch an animation video about science capital.

Science capital is equivalent to:

Science-related knowledge and competencies
Understanding the importance of science and technology for societal development
Science-positive values and attitudes
A focus on science in family, leisure time and social networks

If you have an idea for a project within the focus of the grant area, you are welcome to send us a brief description of the project and your funding needs (max one A4 page). We will promptly provide an initial assessment of the project and advice on the potential application process. Please note that we only support projects in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, and the project description should be written in Danish.

Send the description to the head of programme:

Ole Laursen

One-off events
Dissemination activities such as exhibitions, books, films and educational materials
Equipment, unless it is part of an activity
Projects that serve political, commercial or business interests
Ongoing operation and administration of institutions or organisations
Travel, study trips, study stays and sponsorships
Capital expenditure, conversions etc.

The Villum Foundation has established several working groups and committees to contribute to ensuring that the foundation’s distribution activities are conducted on a professionally sound and otherwise exemplary basis. The purpose of these working groups is to assist the board with strategy development and review and recommendations for decisions regarding applications and projects within the foundations’ grant areas and asset management.