Villum Fonden (NNF - Novo Nordisk Fonden)

With a grant sum of nearly 1.5 billion DKK in 2021, a large part of the research performed at the Danish universities is due to the funding provided by the Villum Fonden. The foundation supports basic research within the technical and natural sciences. It is a strict requirement from the foundation that supported projects should not be related to health and biomedical research. Besides research, the foundation also supports environmental efforts to understand and protect the ocean from climate changes as well as support educational and outreach activities bringing science to live in the public.

The Villum Fonden is linked to the Velux company, producing roof top windows. The founder of the company, Villum Kann Rasmussen, was an innovative engineer with a wit and knack for inventions. His constant stream of patents has enabled the foundation to support research in the natural and technical area in Denmark.

Villum Fonden grants their funding in a series of open calls, ranging from the bold Villum Experiment to the large Villum Investigator grant for internationally renowned group leaders. In addition, the foundation tops up their recruitment grants with a generous onboarding package for moving the family and getting established in Denmark. The onboarding package is applied for by the HR office at the recruiting institution.