How we work

We provide support to research activities within COWI's professional field of activities, i.e., consultancy within engineering, architecture, energy and the environment.  

Open-competition donations 

We have two application deadlines each year. We award donations to academic research communities and COWI employees. Applicants can apply for funding for their research projects in open competition. 

After the deadline, our Assessment Committee assesses all submitted applications and prepares recommendations for the Board’s decision. Subsequently, applicants are either offered funding or receive a rejection letter.  

The Assessment Committee 

COWIfonden’s Assessment Committee is a permanent committee and comprises a Chair and two to three members. COWIfonden’s Board appoints the Committee’s Chair and other members in accordance with the rules governing COWIfonden. 

When assessing applications, the Assessment Committee looks at a number of aspects, including: 

• Does it have news value? Is this a new approach, a completely new area, application of known technology in a new way or within a new field? 
• Does it reflect a high professional level – both in terms of the basis and starting point, in terms of scientific approach, and the quality of the application itself? 
• Is it a good idea, and is there a clear hypothesis? 
• What are the objectives and the goal? 
• Is there a clear description of the methodology? 
• What are the deliverables and expected output? 
• What is the plan for dissemination and knowledge sharing? 
• Is it realistic to achieve within the constraints, e.g., time, milestones, budget and available resources. 
• What is the relevance for society at large and the potential impact? 
• Who are the collaboration partners, if any? 
• Are they relevant and actively contributing? 
• What are the expected synergies?