Carlsberg Foundation issues first ever call for applications for science communication funding

The Carlsberg Foundation wants to stimulate general interest in science and its importance in Denmark. On that basis, the Foundation is now issuing its first ever call for applications for funding for science communication that will contribute to increased awareness of scientific matters and qualify the public debate on major themes of importance for our common future.

The funds, which are being offered through Carlsberg Mindelegat and the new Science Communication instrument, will be advertised in open competition, and in future will be up for application twice a year. The calls will open for the first time on 1 June 2023 with an application deadline of 1 September 2023. While Carlsberg Mindelegat will support researchers’ opportunities to communicate their own research, Science Communication will be aimed at institutions, private companies and non-profit organisations with documented professional experience of designing and executing major communication programmes.

Closer to science and researchers

Professor Lasse Horne Kjældgaard, CEO, Carlsberg Foundation, says:

“The purpose of our new communication instruments is to bring more Danes closer to science and to increase confidence in reliable scientific sources. This is needed at a time when the flow of information is tumultuous, and the amount of misinformation is alarming. It is good public service when the media gives researchers the opportunity to deliver insight, perspective, and analysis in connection with the news of the day. Having said that, there is a surprising lack of science and research in the media. We only need to look at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, DR, which for many years has not had editorial staff dedicated to science. In the Carlsberg Foundation we are now extending our first ever open call for professional communicators with ambitions on behalf of science because we want to stimulate interest in creating new formats that can strengthen the position of science in society, not least in the public conversation and debate.”

Lasse Horne Kjældgaard adds:

“At the same time, it is extremely important that researchers themselves have the opportunity to try out science communication outside lecture halls. Although this has actually been enshrined in the Universities Act since 2003, it is no secret that the universities seldom prioritise time and space for researchers to pursue their communication duties. By targeting researchers’ communication of their own research, Carlsberg Mindelegat can hopefully provide an extra incentive for providing space for researchers to strengthen their communication skills.”

About Science Communication

With the call for applications to the Science Communication instrument, the Carlsberg Foundation is inviting proposals for professional communication of themes within the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities with a broad social appeal. Funding can be applied for projects that communicate science or research-based knowledge in an engaging way.

Applicants can apply for up to DKK 3 million, and the communication project can be independently defined or form part of a larger communication programme. The project may not be limited to, for example, a specific work or teaching situation, and at least some of the principal communication should be accessible free of charge and easy for everyone to experience.

Funding may be sought for various types of communication formats, for example TV and radio productions, podcasts, new science journalism initiatives, festivals, lectures, publications, SoMe productions etc.

Applicants must have documented professional experience with communication. Furthermore, it is a requirement that the project should involve collaboration with researchers, and that the content produced should be screened by relevant scientific experts prior to distribution. Private companies and producers can apply for funding for non-commercial projects with a non-profit aim.

About Carlsberg Mindelegat

With the call for applications to Carlsberg Mindelegat, for the first time ever researchers can now apply for funding to realise specific projects aimed at communicating their own research to non-scientific target groups. Applicants may apply for up to DKK 200,000, and the project may be independently defined or form part of a larger programme.

In order to be considered for funding, applicants must as a minimum have a PhD and be affiliated to a Danish research institution. A range of communication formats may be proposed, including TV and radio productions, written productions, lectures and publications.

The project must involve collaboration with experts with documented experience of communication, journalism or media production.

The communication must as a minimum be freely accessible and easy for everyone to experience.