Where Music Meets Science

The Danish Research Foundation launches the annual Daphne Awards

Mission Statement from the Board

“With the Daphne Awards, we aim to highlight the role of music as a universal language — one that expresses ideas and emotions in ways that words alone cannot. At the same time, we want to acknowledge the artists and researchers who deepen our understanding of this language and make its value visible. The strength of a society is not measured by its wealth, but by the choices it makes in challenging times. Supporting culture and science means supporting empathy, reflection and the long-term resilience of our communities.”

The Daphne Music Award is being crafted by Danish artist Sif Iltona Westerberg

About the Daphne Awards

Celebrating Excellence in Music and Science

The Danish Research Foundation launches a new significant international prize that places music and science on equal terms. The Daphne Awards celebrate music not only as a cornerstone of human culture but as a transformative force that shapes the brain, the body, and society itself. With this vision in mind, the board strives to honor artists at the height of their career: internationally acclaimed musicians who have had alasting impact within their respective field but also look to shape the future of classical music for many years to come.

The inaugural Daphne Music Award — endowed with €650,000 — will be presented to pianist Lang Lang, one of the most influential artist of our time. In addition, Jonathan Tetelman and Serena Sáenz will be honored with the €100,000 endowed Next Generation Award recognized for their vocal brilliance and artistic presence. Starting in 2027, the Daphne Awards will introduce a science prize in addition to the music prize.

About the Foundation

A Foundation for Scientific and Cultural Excellence

The Danish Research Foundation, founded in 1992 by Dr. Bente Juel Riis Christiansen, MD and Dr. Claus Christiansen, MD, is a driving force in advancing clinical and basic research, nurturing scientific talent and supporting Denmark’s cultural and charitable development. In the past, the Foundation has distributed over 35 million Euro in grants to support scientific, cultural, and charitable initiatives. Its origins lie in the Center for Clinical and Basic Research A/S (CCBR) — Denmark’s first private research clinic that conducts clinical studies for the pharmaceutical industry.

Following the sale of CCBR in 2013, the Foundation refocused its efforts on projects and investments within the life science sector, continuing to uphold its founding vision of excellence, innovation, and impact. Today, the Foundation’s grants are primarily distributed across three key areas:
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• Life sciences and natural sciences research
• Art and culture
• Charitable and social projects

Building on its strong foundation in medical and scientific research, the Danish Research Foundation has broadened its focus to include exceptional cultural and social initiatives. By supporting initiatives in theater, dance, music, and the visual arts, the Foundation promotes social cohesion, cultural preservation, and creative expression, ensuring that future generations may continue to draw inspiration from the world’s rich artistic heritage. Through this dual commitment to science and culture, the Danish Research Foundation aims to foster a well-rounded, enlightened, and culturally vibrant society, where innovation and creativity go hand in handle musician at the height of their career, while the Next Generation Artist Awards recognise two rising stars within the field of classical music. Starting in 2027, an additional Daphne Science Award will highlight groundbreaking research that harnesses the power of music for the greater good.

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