Professor Ib Chorkendorff. Photo: Mikal Schlosser

5 million euro for independent research

Physics Transportation Energy technology
Two DTU researchers have received the prestigious ERC Advanced Grants from the European Research Council.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of The European Research Council. During this period, a total of 19 DTU researchers have received funding—including Professor Ib Chorkendorff and Professor Mogens Fosgerau—who in 2017 were awarded a total of EUR 5 million or just over DKK 37 million for research into catalysis and statistical models.

Professor Ib Chorkendorff from DTU Physics has received an ERC Advanced Grant for his work in developing new catalysts that can contribute to a fossil-free future.

New research has revealed a hole in our knowledge in this area, and Ib Chorkendorff has received EUR 2.5 million over the next five years to create new basic insight into the catalytic effect in a series of inorganic materials.

Professor Mogens Fosgerau from DTU Management Engineering, Transport Economics, has received an Advanced Grant of EUR 2.5 million over a five-year period. The grant must be used to develop a new type of advanced statistical model which can improve prediction of people’s choices and behaviour in traffic.


The European Research Council (ERC)

The ERC Advanced Grant is awarded to leading and established researchers, who—with the support of funding— can conduct pioneering high-risk research.


This year, Denmark received five ERC Advanced Grants. Two grants went to DTU researchers, one to the University of Copenhagen, and one to Aarhus University. Thus, a total of 49 Danish researchers have been awarded the grant.