FNU funds research based on researchers' own initiatives and can award grants to researchers investigating basic scientific issues in the natural sciences, computer science and mathematics where the aim is pure, but not necessarily applied research.
FNU provides research-related advice within the natural sciences, computer science and mathematics both upon application or upon the initiative of the Council. For instance, the Council has advised on the Galathea 3 expedition and on applications to both the Danish Research Training Committee and the Commission on Scientific Investigations in Greenland.
The 16 members of the Council are recognised researchers and officially appointed by the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation within their personal focus areas.
