UC Davis California-Denmark Innovator Fellowship 2025, Fully Funded

UC Davis California-Denmark Innovator Fellowship 2025, Fully Funded

The California-Denmark Innovator Fellowship 2025 is a fully funded, career-advancing opportunity for postdoctoral researchers based in Denmark. Co-hosted by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and UC Davis, this prestigious program supports innovation at the intersection of research and entrepreneurship. Fellows will engage deeply in translational science, commercialization, and innovation within California’s dynamic ecosystem.

Host Country: United States
Institution: University of California, Davis (UC Davis)
Program Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Fields of Study: Sustainable Food Systems, Planetary Sciences, Health, Food Sciences
Eligible Nationalities: Open to international applicants affiliated with Danish universities
Application Deadline: May 18, 2025

Why Choose the California-Denmark Fellowship?

• Top Research Exposure: Collaborate with world-renowned labs at UC Davis like the Siegel Lab at the Genome Center.

• Innovation Training: Work alongside the Innovation Institute for Food and Health (IIFH) to transform research into real-world impact.

• Venture Capital Access: Receive mentorship from firms such as The March Group, experts in foodtech and biosolutions.

• Professional Growth: Attend global events like Future FoodTech and SynBioBeta, entrepreneurship academies, and networking forums.

• Immersive Experience: Dive into California’s world-class academic, entrepreneurial, and cultural environments.

Fellowship Timeline

• January – February 2026: Pre-fellowship activities and networking in Denmark with visiting UC Davis fellows.

• February – June 2026: Full fellowship in California – research, commercialization, and innovation activities.

• June – July 2026: Fellows reconvene for collaborative work and the Final Colloquium Event in California.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a postdoctoral researcher employed at a Danish university

• Have completed their PhD within the past 5 years

• Have expertise in one or more of the following:

  • Food Science, Technology, or Engineering

  • Biotechnology or Biosolutions

  • Agricultural Sciences

  • Nutrition and Metabolic Health

  • Planetary or Environmental Health

  • Computational or Data Science (related fields)

• Be eligible to obtain a U.S. visa for a six-month stay

• International scholars based in Denmark are welcome to apply

Available Fields of Study

• Sustainable Food Systems

• Planetary Sciences

• Health

• Food Sciences

Fellowship Benefits

• Full salary and benefits for the entire fellowship duration

• All travel, flight, and accommodation expenses covered

• Assistance with housing, visa processing, and relocation

• Access to UC Davis events, entrepreneurial training, and mentorship

• Participation in a Final Showcase Event to present research and innovations

How to Apply

Required Documents (combined into a single PDF):

1. Resume/CV (include publications)

2. Letter of Interest (max 2 pages) covering:

   • Your current research and its impact

   • Motivation for joining the program

   • Career aspirations

   • Relevant experience

3. Letter of Support from your PhD advisor (1 page)

4. (Optional) Letter of Recommendation highlighting business or innovation strengths

Application Portal:

Apply via the START Denmark – California Fellowship Application Form

Why UC Davis?

• Global Excellence: Ranked among the top universities in food, agriculture, and health sciences

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: World-class labs and research centers

• Entrepreneurial Focus: Emphasis on real-world impact, startup support, and venture investment

• California Living: Thrive in the heart of Northern California’s innovation hub