Novo Nordisk Mads Øvlisen Postdoc Fellowships in Art and Art History

The purpose of this call is to support ambitious researchers to conduct excellent research projects leading to a significant contribution to art-related research in Denmark. 

Areas of support 

Within this call, The Novo Nordisk Foundation invites researchers to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship within art history, practice-based artistic or curatorial research, or interdisciplinary research in art theory & natural sciences. 

A total of up to five fellowships will be awarded to support 2-year postdoctoral projects for talented researchers within the following research fields:

• 2 postdoctoral fellowships in art history will be awarded to applicants whose research projects fall within the field of art history, with a particular focus on art historical and/or art theoretical topics.
• 2 postdoctoral fellowships in practice-based research in art and curation will be awarded to applicants whose research projects are based on the applicants’ artistic or curatorial practice.
• 1 postdoctoral fellowship in art & natural sciences will be awarded to an applicant whose research project spans disciplines and aims to explore the interaction between art history & natural sciences in a broad sense, including bio- and medical sciences and/or technology in contemporary or historical contexts. The project must be theoretical in nature, but practice-based research within art and/or curation can be included.

Funding

It is possible to apply for grant up to DKK 2,020,000 for projects lasting two years.  

It is strongly recommended that you liaise with your host institution regarding the budget and salary. 

Eligibility

Researchers holding a PhD degree or equivalent (magister degree supplemented with further research or other equivalent, substantial research activity) are eligible to apply for a postdoc fellowship.  

For applicants whose PhD thesis has not been approved by the application deadline, applications will only be considered if the supervisor’s statement is submitted to the Novo Nordisk Foundation by 14 March 2025. The postdoctoral fellowship can only be activated once the PhD degree has been awarded.

Applicants who do not hold a PhD degree must attach documentation that their research activity is substantial and corresponds to the level of a PhD degree.

Applicants for the practice-based fellowship may be considered with a completed education at the master’s level supplemented by professional artistic or curatorial practice and substantial artistic or curatorial production.

All applicants must be affiliated with a university, museum, or other knowledge institution (administering host institution) in Denmark during the postdoctoral period. Applicants do not need to be employed by the host institution at the time of application, but a hosting commitment must be submitted with the application.

Please note that some universities and institutions may have internal application deadlines that precede the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s application deadline, and applicants are therefore encouraged to contact a relevant host institution early in the application process.

An applicant may only submit one application for a specific project/purpose per calendar year.

Assessment criteria 

NNF’s Committee on Research in Art & Art History will primarily assess the applications based on the criteria mentioned in the application guidelines. 

Application Process

Submit your application via the Foundation’s electronic application system (the green ‘Apply’ button at the top of the screen) from the indicated ‘Application opens’ date. The application may be submitted in Danish or English.

Please read the application guidelines thoroughly before applying. The guidelines contain detailed instructions about the grant and the application process.