FAQ for PhD applicants

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the main applicant?

The future DARA Fellow is the main applicant and must submit the application through the online portal, completing all relevant fields. The applicant will nominate their principal supervisor via the platform, and the supervisor will receive a notification to log in and upload their CV and letter of recommendation. Applications missing the required information from the supervisor will be considered ineligible.

Is the character limit in the application with or without spaces?

Character limits include spaces.

Am I eligible to apply if I am an international student who did not study in Denmark?

Yes, DARA encourages applications from international candidates. You must be eligible for a PhD programme in Denmark, which typically means qualifying for either the 4+4 or 5+3 PhD schemes. We welcome diversity and international perspectives as part of our academic community.

Will DARA assist me in finding a principal supervisor?

No, DARA does not currently offer a matchmaking or placement service for applicants seeking supervisors. It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify and secure a lead supervisor who is willing to support the application and host the project if awarded.

What does it mean to be eligible for a PhD programme in Denmark?

You must qualify for one of the following schemes:
• 4+4 scheme: For students who have completed one year of a two-year Master’s programme. This route combines the final year of the Master's with the start of the PhD and runs for a total of four years. Your supervisor should confirm your academic readiness and discuss eligibility with the relevant PhD school.
• 5+3 scheme: For students who have fully completed their Master’s degree (equivalent to 120 ECTS). This is a standard three-year PhD track.
Your Head of Department or principal supervisor must confirm your eligibility in their letter of support, and they should coordinate with the PhD school to confirm local requirements.

Can I apply if I haven’t completed my MSc yet?

Yes. If you are not applying for the 4+4 scheme, you must complete your MSc before enrolment begins. Applications from students who are near completion are encouraged, and we recognise the value of attracting newly graduated talent.

Will I be at a disadvantage if I haven’t finished my MSc?

No. The evaluation panel will consider your current study stage, and you will not be penalised for still completing your MSc, as long as your eligibility can be reasonably assured by your principal supervisor.

Do I need project approval from a PhD school before applying?

No, formal approval from the PhD school is not needed at the application stage. However, your principal supervisor or head of department is responsible for contacting the PhD school to confirm that you meet their eligibility requirements. This is essential to ensure smooth enrolment if your application is successful.

Where will DARA fellows be enrolled?

You must be enrolled at the Danish university or research institute where your principal supervisor is based. The institution will also be responsible for managing your employment and academic progression.

Will DARA fellows follow the local rules of their PhD institutions?

Yes. DARA fellows are expected to adhere to the local rules and administrative requirements of their host PhD schools, including obligations around teaching, coursework, reporting, and examinations.

Can I apply to other academies, like the DDSA and DDEA, simultaneously?

Yes, you are welcome to apply to multiple academies. However, if you are offered more than one fellowship, you must choose one. Double funding is not allowed.

Can I be based at a University Hospital?

Yes, as long as your principal supervisor is affiliated with the hospital, and the hospital has an associated PhD school. Fellows can be based at universities and research institutes across Denmark, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Can my project span two institutions?

Yes. You must be enrolled at the institution where your principal supervisor is based but may collaborate with co-supervisors at other institutions.

Can my project include topics outside Novo Nordisk’s scope, like humanities?

The purpose of DARA is to support fellows within the natural, medical and technical sciences in the research areas covered by the strategy of the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Are both mono- and interdisciplinary projects welcome?

Yes. DARA welcomes both disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects. If interdisciplinary, please specify which academic fields and methods are being integrated.

How technical can my proposal be?

You are welcome to include technical and field-specific content in your proposal. DARA aims to assemble a diverse pool of reviewers with expertise across a wide range of disciplines, so you should feel confident in presenting your research in a scientifically robust manner. However, it’s advisable to ensure that the significance and relevance of your project are clearly communicated, even to readers outside your immediate field.

Can we apply under subtopics or themes as a mini-consortium?

At this time, DARA does not support coordinated applications submitted under subtopics or thematic clusters resembling a mini-consortium. Each application must be submitted and evaluated individually.

How many applications can prospective fellows submit per call?

Each applicant is allowed to submit only one application per call. This ensures a fair and focused evaluation process and encourages applicants to dedicate their efforts to preparing a single, high-quality proposal.

Do I need an international mentor at the time of application?

No. If you are awarded a fellowship and have not identified a mentor, DARA will assist you in finding a suitable match. International mentorship is a key feature of the programme.

Is the international mentor considered a co-supervisor?

Not necessarily. The international mentor is primarily intended to provide external support, career guidance, and academic or thematic expertise from outside the host institution. While they may take on a co-supervisory role in some cases, this is not a requirement and should be clearly outlined in the application if applicable.

Are there formal requirements for international mentors?

No. Fellows and mentors can define the nature of their collaboration, including how often they meet and what roles the mentor will play.

Will international mentors be paid?

No, this is a voluntary role. However, mentors benefit from international collaboration and visibility within the DARA network.

Does the international mentor’s CV affect my application?

No, the CV of the international mentor is collected solely for administrative purposes and will not be considered in the evaluation of your application. Its inclusion is intended to help verify the mentor’s role and background but does not influence the scoring.

How many reviewers will assess my application?

Eligible applications will be assessed by at least two international reviewers with expertise relevant to your research field.

Are the assessment criteria weighted?

Yes, the assessment process is based on two weighted criteria: the applicant (weighed one third) and the research project (weighed two thirds).

What if my topic is unusual?

We will make every effort to match your application with reviewers who understand your field. We maintain a broad, inclusive reviewer pool and encourage experts from all areas to participate.

How will different research approaches be evaluated?

DARA welcomes a wide range of research approaches. The review panel will include experts from diverse academic backgrounds. Applicants should clearly articulate the scientific and potential societal relevance of their chosen approach to ensure reviewers understand its significance.

Will the reviewers be made public?

Yes, DARA intends to publish the names of reviewers to ensure transparency and build trust in the review process.

Who makes the final decision on fellowship awards?

Final decisions on fellowship awards are made by the DARA Board of Directors. They receive a shortlist of the highest-ranked candidates, based on external evaluations, and make selections based on the overall merit of the proposals and alignment with DARA’s goals.

Is there an expected distribution of fellowships across universities or disciplines?

No, DARA does not operate with quotas or expectations for institutional or disciplinary distribution. Fellowships are awarded solely on the basis of excellence, and all eligible proposals will be assessed on equal terms, regardless of research field or host institution.

There are no interviews—will this change in the future?

At present, the selection process does not include interviews. However, DARA continually reviews and updates its procedures, and the introduction of an interview stage may be considered in future calls to strengthen the evaluation process.

Will I receive feedback on my application?

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback at this time.

Can I reapply if not selected?

Yes, resubmissions are allowed. Applicants are allowed three attempts in DARA.

Are DARA events and courses mandatory?

We expect that all DARA fellows attend the annual flagship conference and actively engage in the broader DARA network to build professional and interdisciplinary connections.

I may face visa delays. Can my start date be adjusted?

We expect that applicants can start within the time period stated in the call.

Will I need to submit annual reports to DARA?

Yes. Fellows must submit a short annual report summarising project progress and key activities. The report is not extensive but helps us track outcomes and maintain engagement.

Can I change my supervisor after the grant has been awarded?

Yes, changing your supervisor is possible after the grant is awarded. However, this requires formal approval. You must submit a written request to the DARA Secretariat outlining your reasons for the change and providing details of the new proposed supervisor, including their affiliation and capacity to guide the project. The Secretariat will assess the request to ensure continuity and quality of supervision.

If my supervisor moves institutions, can I move with them?

Yes, if your supervisor relocates to another institution within Denmark, you may choose to move your fellowship accordingly, pending approval. The new institution must confirm its ability to host and support the project under the same terms.