The field of nursing research plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare practices, patient outcomes, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery. In Denmark, the Novo Nordisk Fonden (NNF) is offering a remarkable opportunity for ambitious nurses to embark on a journey of academic and professional growth through their PhD Scholarships in Nursing Research program. This initiative aims to support nurses in acquiring a robust research education within Denmark, fostering their development as nursing researchers and encouraging contributions that enhance patient care and well-being.
Supporting Nursing Research with Purpose
The cornerstone of the PhD Scholarships in Nursing Research program is to nurture nursing research that directly impacts patients and nursing practice. The scope of research areas under this initiative encompasses disease prevention, health promotion, treatment methodologies, rehabilitation, palliative care, as well as investigations into nursing aspects of healthcare management and organizational dynamics within the healthcare system. Ultimately, the overarching goal is to foster advancements that lead to improved human health.
Generous Benefits for Aspiring Researchers
The NNF has allocated a substantial sum of DKK 8 million to fund up to four scholarships, with each grant amounting to a maximum of DKK 2 million. These grants are designed to support comprehensive, full-time, three-year PhD projects that delve into the heart of nursing research. Applicants are required to outline a detailed budget for their proposed PhD Scholarship, with the funding sought not exceeding DKK 2 million.
It is important to note that while the standard project duration is three years, a provision allows for extending the project timeline up to five years. However, any extension beyond the initial three years requires approval from the relevant Danish university. Such an extension must align with the scope of a full-time three-year project, with reasons for extension provided as supplementary information in the budget section of the application.
Financial Support: Enabling Research Excellence
The scholarship funds can be allocated towards a range of expenses, all aimed at facilitating comprehensive and impactful research:
1. Main Applicant's Salary: The grant can cover the salary of the main applicant.
2. Tuition Fees: Up to DKK 80,000 per year in tuition fees can be covered (must be specified in the budget).
3. Travel Expenses: Funding can be sought for travel associated with the project, including attending conferences, workshops, and presenting research findings. The yearly budget for such expenses can reach up to DKK 25,000.
4. Other Travel Expenses: Directly project-related travel expenses, such as international study visits, can be covered, provided they are well-documented in the application.
5. Publication Costs: Funds up to DKK 25,000 per budget year can be used for publishing research results originating from the project.
6. Operating Expenses: This category encompasses direct costs linked to project development, implementation, and operations. This includes expenses for materials, equipment, statistics, data processing, and more.
7. Administrative Support: Up to 5% of the total budget can be allocated for administrative support, which must be included within the grant application.
Eligibility: Paving the Way for Nurse Researchers
Eligibility criteria for the PhD Scholarships in Nursing Research program are designed to identify and support the most promising nurse researchers:
1. The applicant must hold the designation of a registered nurse and possess a master's degree before submitting the application.
2. The research project should be conducted within a Danish university, university college, hospital, or other non-profit research institution. A hosting letter, confirming the institution's support for the project's administration and provision of facilities, must accompany the application.
3. The application must specify the PhD supervisor(s) who have committed to participating in the project.
4. Successful applicants are required to enroll as PhD students in a Danish university within a year of receiving the PhD Scholarship Grant Letter.
5. Projects that are already initiated are not eligible for support.
6. The PhD Scholarship is a personal grant and cannot be shared among multiple applicants.
7. An applicant can submit only one application per call and one application for a specific research project in a calendar year. Similar or identical project proposals for different calls within the same year will face administrative rejection.
8. Holding two or more active grants of different types is permitted, as long as they are distinct in nature.
9. The PhD degree requirements must align with the prevailing regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.
Exclusions and the Path Forward
Certain activities and expenses do not qualify for NNF funding, including commercial ventures, overhead costs, and expenses related to PhD supervisors or other mentors. The program is focused on nurturing pure research endeavors that drive nursing practice and patient care forward.
The PhD Scholarships in Nursing Research program offered by the Novo Nordisk Fonden represents a remarkable opportunity for dedicated nurses with a passion for research. Through substantial financial support, comprehensive benefits, and stringent eligibility criteria, this initiative aims to shape the future of nursing research in Denmark. As the research landscape evolves, these nurse researchers, armed with newfound knowledge and resources, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in transforming healthcare practices, benefiting patients and practitioners alike. For more information and application details, interested individuals can visit the official NNF website.
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