Purpose 

The Data Science Research Infrastructure Programme aims to create bottom-up opportunities for open, national data science infrastructures, which are critical for achieving excellent data science driven research in Denmark.

Such infrastructure is in this context defined as computational infrastructures, databases and data resources, and data-generating technologies. 

Part of the NNF Data Science Initiative 

The Data Science Collaborative Research Programme is one of 4 pillars of the NNF Data Science Initiative. 

Other calls in open competition include the Data Science Collaborative Research Programme and the Data Science Investigator Programme. In addition, an academy for data science, with the purpose of establishing a network and distributing fellowships, is under design.

Areas of support

The infrastructure must be linked to ongoing research and be within the scope of the NNF Data Science Initiative: 

1. Development of new algorithms, methods and technologies within data science, artificial intelligence (incl. machine learning and deep learning), data engineering, data mining, statistics, applied math, computer science, big data analytics, etc. 
2. Applications of data science (as defined above) within the Foundation’s core scientific areas: Biomedical and health science, life science and industrial applications promoting sustainability, as well as natural and technical sciences with potential application in biotechnology or biomedicine.

For projects mainly concerned with data science methods development, it is important that the applicants clearly show the relevance for potential future application and impact within life science, health science, or biotechnology. Vice versa, projects which have their primary focus on application of data science methods must describe and explain the novelty and impact of their data science approach, be it development of novel methods or novel applications of existing methods.

Eligibility 

• The infrastructure must be linked to ongoing research and be within the scope of the NNF Data Science Initiative. The applicant must be able to document expertise at the highest level within the research field of the applied-for research equipment or facility.  
• The facility or equipment must be established at a research institution with expertise within the relevant field. This is to ensure that the infrastructure can develop in parallel with the scientific progress in the area, and that there are qualified personnel to operate and maintain the equipment, as well as to supervise others in its use.
• The infrastructure should be shared with the national research community. Priority for funding will be given to applications that demonstrate coordination with other Danish research groups.
• Applications to maintain or expand existing infrastructures are eligible.
• Funding may be requested for skilled technical staff that can offer research-based training, consultation, data processing, data analysis, data management, software/database development, and dissemination of data/tools. 

Funding 

For each grant, DKK 1-3 million can be awarded on average per year over a grant period of up to 5 years, for a total budget of up to DKK 5-15 million.

The total grant capital in 2022 is DKK 40 million. 

Application to other NNF programmes

It is possible for researchers to apply (as either a main or co-applicant) for each of the different data science calls under the NNF Data Science Initiative, but: 

• The applicant must indicate which other submitted proposals includes her/him as a main or co-applicant  
• The applications should not be contingent on each other 
• Any overlap in project description should be indicated clearly  

In addition, dual submission for the concurrent “Research Infrastructure – Large equipment and facilities” programme is not allowed.  

Application process 

The application must be completed and submitted using the foundation’s application system NORMA that can be accessed via the link “Apply now”. 

Please read “Information and Guidelines for Applicants“ carefully before initiating the application process. The Guidelines provide essential information on the call and the application content and process.