# Body-Brain Interdisciplinary Projects

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** DKK 15–20M
**Deadline:** 20 August 2026 (Full application deadline (by invitation only). Expression of Interest deadline was April 16, 2026.)
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** Required — 2–3 applicants; at least one at a Danish institution and at least one at a non-Danish European institution
**Application:** 2-stage: Expression of Interest → Full application (by invitation only)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/lundbeck-foundation-and-novo-nordisk-foundation-body-brain-interdisciplinary-projects/
**Last verified:** 8 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint Novo Nordisk Foundation & Lundbeck Foundation call for interdisciplinary projects on body-brain interactions (cardiometabolic diseases and nervous system disorders). 2–3 independent researchers required; at least one at a non-commercial Danish institution and one at a non-commercial European (non-Danish) institution. No commercial activities, drug trials with industry, or overhead/indirect costs funded. Proposals must be in English.

## Summary

The Body-Brain Interdisciplinary Projects programme, jointly funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Lundbeck Foundation, awards DKK 15-20 million (€2.0-2.7 million) over five years for international, cross-disciplinary research on body-brain interactions in cardiometabolic diseases and nervous system disorders. Applicants must form a consortium of 2-3 independent researchers with mandatory representation from both Denmark and another European country, working at non-commercial institutions. This is a one-off call focused on bridging fundamental neuroscience and metabolic disease research with strict constraints: no commercial activities, industry drug trials, or indirect costs are funded.

## Who should apply

- Independent researchers (Principal Investigator level or equivalent) in neuroscience, cardiometabiology, or related fields
- Applicants based at non-commercial academic or research institutions in Denmark and other European countries
- Research teams able to form a 2-3 person international consortium with clear interdisciplinary bridging
- Groups investigating mechanistic links between cardiometabolic diseases and nervous system disorders
- Researchers committed to fundamental science partnerships (no commercial product development or industry-led trials)

## Key dates

- Expression of Interest deadline was 16 April 2026; full application deadline by invitation only is 20 August 2026
- Two-stage process: shortlisted Expression of Interest teams invited to submit full proposal
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium composition is gating: confirm in advance that your co-applicants meet the geographic and institutional mandates (at least one at a Danish non-commercial institution, at least one at a non-Danish European non-commercial institution).
- The body-brain interaction framing is central, justify why your projects must work together, not just happen in parallel. Clear mechanistic interdependence between the cardiometabolic and nervous system angles strengthens the case.
- Budget planning must exclude indirect/overhead costs entirely; all funds go to direct research costs. Plan staffing and equipment accordingly.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Body-Brain Interdisciplinary Projects grant fund?

DKK 15-20 million (approximately €2.0-2.7 million) per five-year project.

### Who can apply for the Body-Brain Interdisciplinary Projects grant?

Consortia of 2-3 independent researchers, with mandatory representation from a non-commercial Danish institution and a non-commercial European (non-Danish) institution.

### What research topics are eligible for this grant?

Interdisciplinary projects investigating body-brain interactions in cardiometabolic diseases and nervous system disorders, with clear mechanistic links between the two disease areas.

### Are commercial activities or industry partnerships funded?

No; the call excludes commercial activities, industry-led drug trials, and indirect/overhead costs.

### Is the Expression of Interest deadline still open?

No, the Expression of Interest deadline was 16 April 2026. Invited teams proceed to full application by 20 August 2026.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-body-brain-interdisciplinary-projects-2026-08) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.