DARA Open Fellowship Call – Summer 2025 (Fully Funded PhD Opportunities)

Are you ready to pursue groundbreaking research in natural, medical, or technical sciences? The DARA Open Fellowship Call for Summer 2025 offers 9 fully funded PhD fellowships to support visionary projects with transformative potential. Hosted by the Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA), this program empowers exceptional candidates to explore curiosity-driven research while joining a vibrant academic community. Read on to discover eligibility, benefits, and how to apply! Also checkout Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2026 in Japan (Fully Funded)

What is the DARA Open Fellowship?

The DARA Open Fellowship supports PhD candidates in Denmark who are pushing the boundaries of science. Whether you’re exploring fundamental questions, developing innovative methodologies, or translating research into societal benefits, this fellowship encourages projects that challenge assumptions and spark new directions in:

• Bioscience & Biomedicine: Molecular biology, genetics, disease diagnostics, therapeutics, and more.
• Natural & Technical Sciences: Physics, chemistry, engineering, robotics, nanotechnology, and beyond.
• Data & Computer Sciences: AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, software engineering, and human-computer interaction.
• Biotechnology: Synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, sustainable agriculture, and industrial production.

Projects can be mono-disciplinary or interdisciplinary, with no predefined thematic preferences.

Who Can Apply?

The DARA Open Fellowship is open to diverse, motivated candidates worldwide, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, nationality, or religion. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

• Educational Background: Qualified for admission to a PhD program in Denmark under the 5+3 or 4+4 model. Recent graduates and current students are eligible if they meet their university’s admission criteria.
• Supervision: Must have an agreement with a principal supervisor (associate professor, professor, or equivalent) at a research institution in the Danish Kingdom (including Greenland and Faroe Islands). Co-supervisors from other institutions are allowed.
• Supervisor Limit: The principal supervisor can only support one active DARA PhD fellowship at a time.

Fellowship Benefits

Each of the 9 fellowships is fully funded and includes:

• Salary: Up to 1,575,000 DKK to cover your PhD salary for the entire program duration (based on Danish PhD employment terms).
• Project Supplement: 750,000 DKK to support your research activities.
• Tuition Fees: Up to 240,000 DKK to cover enrollment fees at your host institution.
• Mentorship: Pairing with an international mentor (a leading researcher from outside Denmark).
• Networking & Training: Priority access to DARA’s educational programs, workshops, and networking events, including an annual symposium.

Program Details

• Duration: Typically aligned with a standard PhD program in Denmark (3-4 years, depending on the 5+3 or 4+4 model).
• Location: Research conducted at a Danish research institution (including Greenland and Faroe Islands).
• Key Dates:
  • Application Deadline: August 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM CEST.
  • Notification of Results: December 2025.
  • Program Start: February 1, 2026 (earliest) to June 15, 2026 (latest).

Failure to enroll by June 15, 2026, may result in fellowship retraction.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the DARA online application portal (email or paper submissions are not accepted). Start early to avoid technical issues, and ensure your application is complete. Only one application per candidate is allowed.

Required Application Materials (in English)

1. Summary of Research (1,500 characters max): A concise overview of your project, highlighting research questions, methods, and potential impact (avoid technical jargon).
2. Project Description (7,500 characters max, excluding figures/tables and references): Detail the scientific background, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Emphasize transformative potential and alignment with DARA’s scope.
3. References: List references used in the project description (no character limit).
4. Illustrations (optional): Up to 3 illustrations to support your proposal.
5. Motivation Letter (3,000 characters max): Explain your passion, relevant experience, and how the fellowship aligns with your career goals.
6. CV (5,000 characters max): Summarize your academic background, achievements, and relevant skills (e.g., publications, awards, teaching experience).
7. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts for bachelor’s and master’s degrees (or current transcripts with a note on expected master’s completion).
8. Supervisor Support Letter & CV: A letter from your principal supervisor confirming support and resources, plus their CV (max 2 pages). The letter should include the number of active PhD students they currently supervise.
9. International Mentor CV (optional, max 2 pages): If you’ve identified a mentor, include their CV (does not affect evaluation).
10. Research Environment Description (optional, 2,500 characters max): Describe your host department’s facilities and resources, if not covered in the supervisor’s letter.

Checkout: King Fahd University Has Announced Graduate Scholarships for 2025-2026

Application Tips

• Clearly articulate your project’s novelty and transformative potential.
• Tailor your motivation letter to show how DARA’s framework supports your goals.
• Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Contact the DARA Secretariat (info@daracademy.dk) for assistance.

Evaluation Process

Applications undergo a single-step, merit-based review by international experts in relevant fields. Key assessment criteria include:

• Candidate Excellence: Academic achievements, research potential, and alignment with the proposed project.
• Research Quality & Novelty: Clarity, originality, and transformative potential of the research question and methodology.
• Feasibility & Environment: Suitability of the host institution and supervisor’s expertise.
• Impact: Potential to advance scientific knowledge or contribute to health, sustainability, or technology.

There is no interview stage, so ensure your written application is comprehensive. Ineligible or incomplete applications will be declined. Decisions are final, with notifications sent by email in December 2025.

Fellowship Expectations

As a DARA PhD Fellow, you’ll join a dynamic community and are expected to:

• Enroll in a PhD Program: Comply with your host university’s requirements and the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s regulations.
• Participate in DARA Events: Attend the annual DARA symposium and major workshops (optional participation in additional seminars and meetups).
• Uphold Integrity: Adhere to DARA’s code of conduct and research standards.
• Avoid Double Funding: The fellowship cannot be combined with other grants covering the same costs.

Contact Information

• Email: info@daracademy.dk
• Website: Visit here
• Application Portal: Visit here

Don’t miss this chance to advance your research career! Apply for the DARA Open Fellowship by August 29, 2025, and become part of a pioneering cohort shaping the future of science.

Source: DARA Fellowship official website