# Challenge Programme **Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation **Budget:** DKK 30–75 million (ca. EUR 4–10 million) **Deadline:** 7 October 2026 (14:00 CEST; Stage 1 deadline) **Duration:** 6 years **Consortium:** Required — consortium of 2-4 research groups (main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants) **Application:** 2-stage: Stage 1 expression of interest → Stage 2 full proposal with online panel presentation **TRL:** 1-3 **Frequency:** Annual **Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-heat-and-hypertension-understanding-the-mechanisms-of-interaction/ **Last updated:** 14 Oct 2026 ## Eligibility & scope 2027 Challenge Programme theme 'Heat and hypertension - understanding the mechanisms of interaction'. Main applicant must be a tenured/tenure-track researcher at a European (EU, Schengen, UK) university, hospital or non-profit research organisation with ≥75% commitment; at least one applicant must be ≥75% employed in Denmark. Co-applicant institutions may be located anywhere globally; industry collaboration allowed but industrial partners cannot receive funding. ## Summary The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme funds large, consortium-based research projects on the 2027 theme "Heat and hypertension - understanding the mechanisms of interaction," with DKK 30-75 million (roughly €4-10 million) available over six years. It targets tenured or tenure-track researchers leading multi-group consortia of two to four research groups, with at least one group based in Denmark. The call requires early-stage, mechanistic research (TRL 1-3) and runs a two-stage process culminating in an online panel presentation. ## Who should apply - Tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals or non-profit research organisations with at least 75% commitment - Consortium leads able to assemble 2-4 research groups, with at least one group at least 75% employed in Denmark - Research teams working on early-stage mechanistic questions (TRL 1-3) around heat exposure and hypertension - Co-applicants from institutions anywhere globally, including potential industry collaborators (though industry partners cannot receive funding) ## Key dates - Stage 1 expression of interest deadline: 7 October 2026, 14:00 CEST - Two-stage process: Stage 1 expression of interest, then Stage 2 full proposal with an online panel presentation - Six-year project duration ## Tips for applicants - Secure a Denmark-based co-applicant early, since the consortium requirement makes this a gating eligibility criterion, not just a preference. - Frame the science strictly around the annual theme, proposals outside 'heat and hypertension' mechanisms will not fit this cycle. - Prepare for the Stage 2 online panel presentation as a distinct evaluation step; it is not a formality after the written proposal. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme provide? DKK 30-75 million, approximately €4-10 million, for a six-year project. ### Who can be the main applicant for the Challenge Programme? A tenured or tenure-track researcher at a European (EU, Schengen, or UK) university, hospital or non-profit research organisation with at least 75% commitment, with at least one consortium member at least 75% employed in Denmark. ### How many research groups are required in a Challenge Programme consortium? A consortium of 2-4 research groups: the main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants. ### What is the application process for the Challenge Programme? It is a two-stage process: a Stage 1 expression of interest followed by a Stage 2 full proposal with an online panel presentation. ### Can industry partners be involved in a Challenge Programme consortium? Yes, industry collaboration is allowed, but industrial partners cannot receive funding from the grant. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md&grant=novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2026-10).