The Carlsberg Foundation is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026 by awarding DKK 150 million in funding for interdisciplinary research centres, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to advancing Danish basic research. Established by brewer J.C. Jacobsen on 25 September 1876, the foundation was created to channel part of the brewery’s resources into scientific progress for the benefit of both researchers and society. For nearly 150 years, the foundation has supported curiosity-driven research across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, enabling groundbreaking discoveries and fostering innovation.
To mark this milestone, the foundation will fund up to four six-year Carlsberg Foundation Interdisciplinary Research Centres, each receiving a maximum of DKK 50 million. These centres are intended to foster collaboration across at least two of the three research areas supported by the foundation, addressing complex societal and scientific questions that require cross-faculty and, ideally, cross-university approaches. Applications will be assessed based on their potential for interdisciplinary collaboration, concrete project plans, and long-term sustainability.
The call for applications is open to teams of two to three tenured researchers, such as associate professors, senior researchers, or full professors, who represent multiple research disciplines. The selected centres will be announced in autumn 2026, with funding intended to strengthen Danish research institutions and encourage integrated approaches to addressing global and local challenges.
Professor Lasse Horne Kjældgaard, CEO of the Carlsberg Foundation, emphasized that the funding aims to consolidate Denmark’s position as a leader in research excellence while promoting holistic thinking and collaboration across disciplines. The foundation’s initiative reflects a broader vision of connecting basic research with societal needs and enhancing the long-term impact of scientific discovery.
As part of its 150th-anniversary celebrations, the Carlsberg Foundation will host a range of activities throughout 2026, including publications, events, webinars, and a conference on the enterprise foundation model. These initiatives will highlight the foundation’s historical contributions to science in Denmark and underscore its ongoing role in promoting interdisciplinary research and societal advancement.
