Minister presents new awards: Celebrating excellent European researchers and innovators
With the new ‘Into Change Award’ Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, wants to recognise pioneering European research on the highest international level. The award is aimed at research groups across Europe and intends to promote core values such as curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, respect and openness. All research fields are eligible – from health and natural science to technology, social science and culture. The Carlsberg Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Villum Foundation, part of the VELUX foundations, have all contributed to the award.
The other award, 'Into Innovation Award', will celebrate ground-breaking innovation. This award is aimed at researchers or innovators affiliated with Danish research institutions or independent innovators who have either founded knowledgebased start-ups or scale-ups themselves or have assisted others in doing so.
The Minister for Higher Education and Science will present the awards in Denmark at the end of 2025.
Minister Christina Egelund says:
- In a time defined by crises where Europe more than ever needs to be strong – research is a necessity. European research collaborations generate gravely needed knowledge and solutions. We need researchers who lead by example, showing how curiosity, persistence, and academic pursuit can be transformed into hope and action in an everchanging world. I look forward to seeing the excellent researchers and innovators nominated for our new awards. Their work is not only important – it is essential.
Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO at Novo Nordisk Foundation, says:
- Research and innovation are crucial for solving some of our most complex challenges, and European research and Danish innovation have always been characterised by their quality and ability to create solutions that make a real difference for a strong Europe. With the two new awards, we honour the researchers and innovators who lead the way, and whose work not only contributes to scientific advancements but to the development and future of our society.
Lasse Horne Kjældgaard, director of Carlsberg Foundation, says:
- We are pleased to be part of the ‘Into Change Award’ and to help celebrate researchers whose curiosity, dedication and expertise lead to new knowledge — knowledge that can one day help solve major challenges facing our society. At a time when academic freedom is under pressure, it is more important than ever to celebrate ground-breaking ideas and efforts that help build a stronger and more enlightened Europe.
Lars Bo Nielsen, CEO at Villum Foundation, part of the VELUX foundations, says:
- The Draghi report has clearly underlined the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem. This initiative marks the beginning of a stronger, research-driven Europe, and Villum Foundation is proud to support this important agenda.
Anders Eldrup, chairperson of the Innovation Fund Denmark, says:
- With the Innovation Award, we celebrate the researchers and innovators who turn knowledge into businesses, solutions, and real-world impact — and help position Europe as a driving force for responsible innovation. Their efforts are more crucial than ever, given the current geopolitical climate and the growing pressure on Europe’s competitiveness. I look forward to drawing on the deep expertise of Innovation Fund Denmark’s expert panels as we assess the candidates who, through bold thinking and innovation, are helping shape the future of Europe.
Facts about the research award
- The 'Into Change Award' is aimed at European research groups that have demonstrated outstanding research of societal importance at the highest international level.
- The research group's work must to a high level demonstrate values such as curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, respect, and openness in research.
- Current and former research groups across all fields of science and research are eligible.
- In 2025, the prize will consist of DKK 8,000,000. Of the DKK 8,000,000 each member of the winning group will receive DKK 100,000 as an honorary award. The remaining sum can be used for research activities in the winners' research area(s).
- The Carlsberg Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation and Villum Foundation (part of the VELUX foundations) have each contributed DKK 1,000,000 to the prize.
- The board of the Independent Research Fund Denmark will assess the nominated candidates and a panel of international experts will select them. Based on the panel's recommendations, the Minister for Higher Education and Science will appoint the winners of the 'Into Change Award'.
Facts about the innovation award:
- The 'Into Innovation Award ' honours a researcher, innovator, or group of innovators who have either helped establish knowledge-based start-ups or scale-ups or played a significant role in assisting others in founding start-ups based on research.
- The award is given to researchers or innovators employed by Danish research institutions, such as universities, university hospitals, sector research institutions, university colleges, business academies, art academies, maritime educational institutions, or GTS institutes. The award can also be given to candidates who have fully committed to their start-ups and are working full-time at their company, or to groups from knowledge institutions, start-ups, or other sectors.
- In 2025, the prize will consist of an honorary award of DKK 200,000 as well as a sum of DKK 2,000,000, which can be used for research and innovation activities in the recipients' field or within newly established start-ups/scale-ups.The honorary award of DKK 200,000 will be paid directly to the individual or equally among the group's members. Innovation Fund Denmark has contributed DKK 1,000,000 to the prize in 2025.
- Nominations for the Innovation Award are assessed by the board of Innovation Fund Denmark, which subsequently recommends the best candidates to the Minister for Higher Education and Science
For further information:
Press inquiries can be directed to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s press phone: 7231 8181 or email: presse@ufm.dk
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