Bridging Continents: The Carlsberg Foundation Internationalisation Fellowships for Early-Career Researchers

Introduction

The Carlsberg Foundation has long been a pillar of basic research in Denmark, funding curiosity-driven projects that push the boundaries of knowledge. Now, with its Internationalisation Fellowships, the foundation is inviting early-career researchers to design a truly global postdoctoral experience. These two- to three-year fellowships require a split stay between an international research institution and a host institution in Denmark, Greenland, or the Faroe Islands, offering a unique chance to build international networks while maintaining strong ties to the Nordic research landscape.

What Are Internationalisation Fellowships?

Internationalisation Fellowships are postdoctoral awards that support early-career researchers in any field of natural science, social science, or humanities. The scheme is built around a mandatory division of time: part of the fellowship must be spent at an approved international research institution, and part at a recognised host in Denmark, Greenland, or the Faroe Islands. This structure is designed to foster cross-border collaboration, expose researchers to new methodologies and perspectives, and ultimately bring novel insights back to the Nordic region.

Key Details at a Glance

• Organiser: Carlsberg Foundation
• Duration: 2-3 years
• Funding: The foundation provides a competitive salary and research expenses, but specific minimum and maximum amounts are not published.
• Open to: Early-career researchers (typically within a few years of PhD completion) affiliated with universities or other research institutions.
• Fields: All areas of basic research - natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Geographic focus: Host institutions must be in Denmark, Greenland, or the Faroe Islands; the international institution can be anywhere outside this region.
• Application period: Opens 30 January 2027 - Deadline 1 April 2027.
• Rolling? No, one fixed deadline per year.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

Many postdoctoral fellowships offer either a fully international or a purely domestic placement. The Carlsberg Internationalisation Fellowship uniquely requires a split stay, ensuring that researchers remain connected to the Nordic scientific community while gaining global exposure. This dual placement is especially valuable for those planning an academic career in Denmark, Greenland, or the Faroe Islands, as it builds international reputation while maintaining local collaboration.

Furthermore, the foundation’s emphasis on basic research means applicants are free to pursue fundamental questions without the pressure of immediate commercial applications - a rare and precious freedom in today’s increasingly applied research environment.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is aimed at early-career researchers - typically postdoctoral scholars who have completed their PhD within the last few years. You must have a clear plan for a joint project that spans your chosen international institution and your Nordic host. Strong applications will demonstrate:

• A compelling research question that benefits from international collaboration.
• A well-justified split-stay timeline (e.g., 18 months abroad, 18 months in Denmark).
• Letters of support from both the international and domestic hosts.
• A track record of productivity appropriate to career stage.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

1. Start Early: With the 2027 deadline, you have ample time to identify hosts and draft a proposal. Use 2025-2026 to network and solidify collaborations.
2. Choose Hosts Wisely: Your international institution should be a leader in your field, and your Nordic host should provide complementary expertise or facilities.
3. Justify the Split: Explain how being in two locations will accelerate your research - are you gaining access to unique data, equipment, or expertise?
4. Show Mutual Benefit: Demonstrate what both laboratories and regions will gain from your fellowship beyond your own growth.
5. Budget Realistically: While no official min/max is given, propose a budget for travel, living expenses, and research costs that aligns with standard postdoctoral salaries in both countries.

Timeline and Deadline

• Applications open: 30 January 2027
• Deadline: 1 April 2027 (no rolling submissions)
• Decision: Typically communicated within a few months after the deadline.

Make sure to visit the official application portal (linked below) well before the opening date to familiarise yourself with the submission system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any country for the international stay?
Yes, as long as the institution is outside Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Many previous fellows have chosen top universities in the US, UK, Germany, or Australia.

What if my PhD is not from a Nordic university?
That is not a barrier. The fellowship values the quality of the proposal and the strength of the research environment, not the origin of your degree.

Is it possible to split the time in a non-50/50 manner?
Yes, the foundation expects a meaningful stay at both locations but does not prescribe exact fractions. Common splits are 12/24, 18/18, or 24/12 months.

Does the fellowship cover family relocation?
The Carlsberg Foundation typically expects the fellow to manage logistics, but they are known to be flexible. Check current guidelines when applying.

Conclusion

The Carlsberg Foundation Internationalisation Fellowships offer an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to combine the best of two worlds: the freedom of international basic research and the security of a Nordic academic home. With the deadline more than a year away, now is the perfect time to start forging those international connections and crafting a proposal that will stand out. Whether your passion lies in quantum physics, Viking history, or social inequality, this fellowship could be the bridge to your next breakthrough.

Ready to apply? Visit the official Carlsberg Foundation page for detailed guidelines, or head directly to the application portal.