The Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science wants to pay tribute to European research and Danish innovation. The new 'Into Change Award' honours European researchers who have demon-strated excellent research at the highest international level.
With the new ‘Into Change Award’ Danish Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, wants to recognise pioneering European research on the highest international level. The award is aimed at research groups across Europe and intends to promote core values such as curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, respect and openness. All research fields are eligible – from health and natural science to technology, social science and culture. The Carlsberg Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Villum Foundation, part of the VELUX foundations, have all contributed to the award.
The other award, 'Into Innovation Award', will celebrate ground-breaking innovation. This award is aimed at researchers or innovators affiliated with Danish research institutions or independent innovators who have either founded knowledgebased start-ups or scale-ups themselves or have assisted others in doing so.
The Minister for Higher Education and Science will present the awards in Denmark at the end of 2025.
- In a time defined by crises where Europe more than ever needs to be strong – research is a necessity. European research collaborations generate gravely needed knowledge and solutions. We need researchers who lead by example, showing how curiosity, persistence, and academic pursuit can be transformed into hope and action in an everchanging world. I look forward to seeing the excellent researchers and innovators nominated for our new awards. Their work is not only important – it is essential.
- Research and innovation are crucial for solving some of our most complex challenges, and European research and Danish innovation have always been characterised by their quality and ability to create solutions that make a real difference for a strong Europe. With the two new awards, we honour the researchers and innovators who lead the way, and whose work not only contributes to scientific advancements but to the development and future of our society.
- We are pleased to be part of the ‘Into Change Award’ and to help celebrate researchers whose curiosity, dedication and expertise lead to new knowledge — knowledge that can one day help solve major challenges facing our society. At a time when academic freedom is under pressure, it is more important than ever to celebrate ground-breaking ideas and efforts that help build a stronger and more enlightened Europe.
- The Draghi report has clearly underlined the urgent need to strengthen Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem. This initiative marks the beginning of a stronger, research-driven Europe, and Villum Foundation is proud to support this important agenda.
- With the Innovation Award, we celebrate the researchers and innovators who turn knowledge into businesses, solutions, and real-world impact — and help position Europe as a driving force for responsible innovation. Their efforts are more crucial than ever, given the current geopolitical climate and the growing pressure on Europe’s competitiveness. I look forward to drawing on the deep expertise of Innovation Fund Denmark’s expert panels as we assess the candidates who, through bold thinking and innovation, are helping shape the future of Europe.
Press inquiries can be directed to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s press phone: 7231 8181 or email: presse@ufm.dk
