The Sonning Prize

Denmark's largest cultural award

The Sonning Prize is the largest cultural award in Denmark and was founded by author and editor C.J. Sonning (1879-1937). The Prize amount is DKK 1 million.

Following the wish of C.J. Sonning, a prize recipient "found to have done commendable work for the benefit of European culture", is elected by the board of the Sonning-Foundation on the recommendation of a committee under the University of Copenhagen.

The Prize is normally awarded every other year. The ceremony takes place at the University of Copenhagen – preferably on 19 April, C.J. Sonning's birthday.

See list of Sonning Prize recipients

Den franske kemiker og fader til molekylær gastronomi Hervé This modtog Sonning-Prisen i 2025 og holder her sin takketale i Festsalen på Københavns Universitet. Foto: Nikolai Linares.
The French chemist and father of molecular gastronomy Hervé This is giving his acceptance speech after receiving the Sonning Prize in 2025 in the Ceremonial Hall at the University of Copenhagen. Photo: Nikolai Linares.


Employees at European Universities may nominate candidates for the Sonning Prize

To nominate candidates, please send a brief proposal (no longer than one page) describing the candidate’s significance for European culture along with candidate curricula vitae.

Deadline for submission of nominees is 15 May 2026, at 16.00 (CET)

The Sonning Prize Committee, appointed by the Board of the University of Copenhagen, may request additional recommendations for the candidates the committee chooses to proceed with.

Nominations are sent to:
The Rector of the University of Copenhagen
Krystalgade 25
1172 Copenhagen K
Denmark
Email: rekstab-jura@adm.ku.dk