Good news for bottom-up networks: Network pool extended until 2027
Researchers and educators at Health now have two more years to apply for support for academic networking activities. The Dean’s Office has decided to extend the faculty’s network pool, allocating DKK 100,000 annually in both 2026 and 2027 to bottom-up networks.
About the network pool:
Who can apply?
- All academic staff employed at Health at postdoc level or above.
- Applications must be submitted on behalf of a researcher-initiated network.
- The network must be anchored within the research environments at Health.
- Applications from Health’s cross-disciplinary research networks, academies, or national networks are not eligible, as these are supported through other means.
What can funding cover?
The grant can cover expenses related to the planning and execution of academic activities, including:
- Room hire at AU, staff, and catering
- Travel and accommodation for guest speakers
- Honoraria for presenters
- Representation, facilitation, and meeting materials
- Posters, communication, and advertising
- Student assistants
The grant cannot be used for study trips, residential courses, or salary buyouts.
All expenses must comply with AU’s and government financial regulations.
Participant requirements
- Events must have a minimum of 20 participants.
- Approximately 75% of participants must be employed at Health.
How much can be applied for?
- Up to DKK 15,000 per activity.
- Multiple applications for the same event are not permitted.
- The same applicant may apply again for new activities.
- Funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
When must the grant be used?
- Funds must be used within the calendar year they are awarded for.
The extension of the network pool aims to ensure that even more staff at the faculty have the opportunity to initiate activities that support knowledge sharing and collaboration across research environments.
Since the pool was established in 2023, interest has been high. Academic networks have emerged with significant value for the faculty. These networks bring researchers and educators together to discuss academic topics, develop ideas, and engage in peer exchange - activities that are often difficult to find time or space for in everyday routines.
Among the supported initiatives is the network “Screening and Early Detection of Disease”, which gathers researchers across disciplines to discuss methods and opportunities for early disease detection. Another example is the “Exercise as Medicine” network, which works across disciplines to strengthen the evidence base for physical activity as both treatment and prevention.
The Dean’s Office highlights the flexible, researcher-initiated communities as important for a vibrant research environment. These networks provide a framework for testing new formats and enhancing academic interaction across groups and departments.
“The network pool enables staff to collaborate in new ways and develop academic initiatives that might otherwise be difficult to launch,” says Dean Anne-Mette Hvas, and adds:
“This creates significant value for both researchers and the working environment - which is why we’ve chosen to continue the pool.”
Networking activities strengthen relationships and academic dialogue
Experience from recent years shows that networking activities strengthen relationships and academic dialogue as a complement to traditional academic forums. They often give rise to new contacts, insights, and collaborative opportunities.
The pool can be applied for to cover expenses related to, for example, theme days, guest speakers, mini-conferences, workshops, and writing retreats, depending on the networks’ needs and purpose. The content can be scientific and focus on a specific academic field, have an interdisciplinary aim, or support more general competencies.
There is no requirement for the network to be formally established, but it is expected to have substance beyond the specific activity for which funding is requested.
Extension allows for better planning
With the decision to continue the pool in both 2026 and 2027, networks now have a better opportunity to plan both short- and long-term activities. This applies to established networks looking to develop existing formats, as well as new communities wanting to test ideas or, for example, invite external speakers.
The pool is already open for applications, and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can find more information and apply for the network pool on the faculty’s website.
Contact
Advisor Sara Ølholm Eaton
Aarhus University, Health – The Faculty Secretariat
Phone: +45 23 60 22 68
Email: solholm@au.dk