European success story for Danish research

• Whether it concerns malaria treatment for pregnant women, or climate-related flooding, or new nano particles that can revolutionise solar panels - all have received EU support.

Since 2007 independent research has broken boundaries with the help of the European Research Council (ERC), which is an independent research council financed by the EU. In 10 years, the council has awarded a total of EUR 322 million (ca. DKK 1.75 billion) in grants for 150 research projects in Denmark.

-The anniversary is a good excuse to take stock of achievements. The European Research Council has been a great success for Denmark. Both the number and total amount of grants is impressive, and underlines the quality and value of Danish research for Denmark, says Minister for Higher Education and Science Søren Pind.

ERC supports independent research and emphasises the good idea, rather than necessarily having a clear idea of the end result of the research.

-Independent research can be difficult to secure financing for because by its very nature, it does not have a clear target. However, it is crucial for all of us that research is also open for independent thinking and ideas, which previously have led to some of the greatest discoveries. The ERC and EU are therefore a good lever for Danish research, says Minister for Higher Education and Science Søren Pind.

The Danish celebration of the ERC anniversary will take place at the University of Copenhagen where all Danish grant recipients have been invited. The ERC anniversary is being celebrated with a total of 140 events across 36 countries around the world.

• Read more about the celebration
  
• Read the Minister's speech held at the celebration

For further information please contact:

Press secretary Jakob Sejr Teichert: tel.: +45 7231 9503 or email jte@ufm.dk
Head of Section Anne Overgaard Jørgensen, tel.:+45 7231 8451 or email aoi@ufm.dk