Danish Manufacturing Research Award
A new national award by Forskningsalliancen and MADE to celebrate researchers who turn knowledge into tangible value for industry. Apply before 1 June 2026.
Making knowledge work
Innovation and global changes move faster than ever, increasing both the pressure and opportunities for Danish manufacturers. How to face global competition in the midst of a new AI era, green transition, and turbulent political changes?
To be successfull in the future we need to bridge the gap between academia and industry and create solutions ready for the shop floor. The Danish Manufacturing Research Award, established by MADE and DI, recognises researchers who do excactly that.
The award aims to:
- Recognise and showcase outstanding research within manufacturing technology
- Celebrate researchers who create real industrial value
- Inspire the next generation to pursue applied, industry-collaborative research
- Strengthen awareness of the strategic importance of manufacturing research
The winner of the award will gain:
- National recognition within manufacturing research
- DKK 20,000 prize funded by the Research Alliance (Danish Metal Workers’ Union, ATV, DI, and IDA)
- Professional video production showcasing your work (for finalists)
- Exposure to industry leaders, researchers, and decision-makers
About
Forskningsalliancen and MADE honour PhDs and PostDocs who transform knowledge into solutions that strengthen Danish manufacturing with a new national award: the Danish Manufacturing Research Award.
Forskningsalliancen in Denmark consists of the four organisations Danish Industry, Danish Metalworkers’ Union, the Danish Society of Engineers (IDA), and the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences.
The award is open for application until 1 June 2026, and the winner will be announced at the House of Industry in Copenhagen on 29. September 2026.
Read more about the award ceremony.
Who can apply?
You are eligible if you:
- Are a PhD graduate or postdoctoral researcher within manufacturing technology
- Are affiliated with a Danish university or Danish industry
- Have conducted a research project addressing a real industrial challenge
- Are the primary contributor to the project
Both traditional and Industrial PhDs are eligible.
What are we looking for?
Applications are evaluated based on three key dimensions:
Industrial relevance
- Clear link to real-world manufacturing challenges
- Applicability in industry
Impact and value creation
- Demonstrated or potential value for companies
- Improvements in efficiency, sustainability, or performance
Scientific excellence
- Strong methodology and academic quality
- Contribution to advancing the research field
Applications must be based on a specific research project.
How to apply
Your application must include:
- A concise research summary (~350 words)
- Description of innovation and novelty
- Impact and value creation
You are encouraged to include endorsements from:
- Academic supervisor
- Industrial partner
The process
- Fill out the application form and send it to info@made.dk before deadline: 1 June 2026
- Five finalists are selected by the jury
- Each finalist presents their research through a video produced by MADE
- The winner is announced at the award ceremony
Award ceremony: 29 September 2026
Udsyn, Industriens Hus, Copenhagen
Read more about the ceremony.
Jury
The award is judged by a strong panel representing both industry and organisations:
- Nigel Edmondson, MADE
- Ulrich Brorson, Grundfos
- Helle Olund Villumsen, Kapacitet
- Line Gry Knudsen, DI Produktion
- Emil Drevsfeldt Nielsen, The Danish Metal Workers’ Union
Questions?
