The Danish Council for Independent Research funds specific research activities, within all scientific areas that are based on the researchers' own initiatives and that improve the quality and internationalisation of Danish research.
The Danish Council for Independent Research also provides scientific advice in all scientific areas for the Danish Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education, the Danish Parliament, and the Danish Government.
The Danish Council for Independent Research is comprised of a Board of Directors and five scientific research councils:
- The Danish Council for Independent Research | Humanities
- The Danish Council for Independent Research | Medical Sciences
- The Danish Council for Independent Research | Natural Sciences
- The Danish Council for Independent Research | Social Sciences
- The Danish Council for Independent Research | Technology and Production Sciences
The Danish Council for Independent Research has also launched the research career programme Sapere Aude (dare to know) – a talent development programme for the elite. The goal is to develop the abilities of the best research talents, nationally and internationally. The programme is for both Danish researchers and researchers from abroad.