Villum Foundation wishes to support the advancement of talented female postdocs in their research careers. Please note: The programme can only be applied for by invitation from your Danish host institution.
Only one out of seven professors within the natural and technical sciences is a woman. The further one progresses in the typical academic career path, the fewer women are represented. This means that we miss out on female research talents. Additionally, a diverse workplace benefits both research and the research environment.
The Villum International Postdoc Programme supports ambitious and outstanding female researchers within the technical and natural sciences precisely at the point in their careers after completing their PhD where a significant dropout of women in academic career positions at universities occurs.
Applicants should aspire to pursue an independent research career and, in this context, plan a research stay abroad. It is crucial to start well with an international outlook and network, benefitting both the career and research. The Danish host institution must actively encourage the application and support the applicant in securing their return to Denmark.
The programme is earmarked for female researchers.
You can apply if you are a female researcher in within the natural and technical sciences and are currently completing or have just completed your PhD at a Danish university. Danish citizenship is not a requirement. Please note that the programme can only be applied for by invitation and recommendation from your faculty and department.
In the administration of applications to the foundation, the foundation considers the legal gender at the time of application.
The programme is announced annually.
You can apply for a grant of DKK 1-2.5 million, primarily covering salary. The grant amount includes up to 15% for covering indirect project costs. In addition to the grant, Villum Foundation offers additional funding for living expenses associated with bringing a partner and family on international stays. The supplementary support is granted and disbursed as needed, based on the assessment of the department and the institution’s international office.
A grant runs for up to three years where the primary focus is the international stay. You should preferably plan for two years abroad followed by one year at the host institution in Denmark.
It takes approximately four months from application to grant approval.
You can only apply with a recommendation from a Danish university.
All applications are assessed based on excellence. The foundation’s Working Group for Technical and Natural sciences recommends to the board who should receive a Villum International Postdoc grant.
