Quantum researcher training programme
With a DKK 60 million grant from the Villum Foundation, the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark are establishing a new research training programme for the growing field of quantum research.
The aim is to create a focal point for quantum research, attract graduates and PhD students with research potential, give them time to establish themselves in Denmark, and build networks within academia and industry.
"Denmark has an international position of strength in quantum research and technology. This must be preserved and further expanded. Therefore, both universities and industry must have access to a highly educated talent pool in the quantum field. The initiative focuses on the students, so that the growth layer gets the best possible starting conditions," says Lise Arleth, Vice Dean for Research and Head of PhD School at the Faculty of Science.
Quantum technologies have enormous potential
"Quantum technology is one of the four critical technologies identified by the EU as particularly important for our technological security, which is why it is important that we can attract talented researchers who can help drive innovation and strengthen our international competitiveness. This will not only benefit universities and industry, but also society as a whole by ensuring that we have the necessary competences to exploit the full potential of quantum technology," says DTU Pro-rector Christine Nellemann.
UCPH and DTU already offer a joint master's programme in quantum information science, which has seen great interest. The number of applicants has almost doubled from 161 applicants in 2024 to 279 applicants in 2025.
The new quantum education programme builds directly on this programme and will cover the entire spectrum of quantum research, from theory to practice and from hardware to software. Among other things, 24 PhD scholarships will be created over the next five years, and fellowships on the master's programme will also be offered to non-EU students to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Closer contact between researchers and industry
The initiative has been launched by some of DTU and UCPH's strongest forces in quantum research, Jonatan Bohr Brask, Matthias Christandl, Gemma Solomon and Jan Philip Solovej.
Inspired by the PhD system at leading American universities, the initiators emphasise that future PhD students should be able to take greater ownership of their research field. Normally, established researchers receive funding to employ PhD students, but here, the initiative to apply for funding comes from the young people themselves. In this way, the programme allows them to influence their education with new, fresh ideas.
As part of the research training programme, a marketplace will also be set up to advertise PhD positions and student jobs in quantum technology, where PhD scholarship providers across the country and companies can meet all the talent from the master's programme. This will give the growing quantum industry in Denmark the opportunity to get in touch with potential new employees and for students to gain practical experience in the industry already during their studies.
Thomas Bjørnholm, Director of Research at the Villum Foundation, welcomes the initiative:
"Whoever wins the quantum race will shape the future of technology and science in ways we can only begin to imagine, which is why the Villum Foundation has for many years supported Danish research environments in attracting and developing talent in this field. The new programme is a very important step in consolidating, expanding and retaining the talent pool that both universities and industry need if we are to secure Denmark and Europe a leading position in this field," he says.
The programme will start in autumn 2025.