# Challenge Programme 2026 – Harnessing Biology for Climate-Resilient and Healthy Soils **Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation **Budget:** DKK 40–75M per grant (ca. EUR 5.4–10M); total pool ca. EUR 20M **Duration:** 6 years **Consortium:** Required — 2–4 research groups (main applicant + 1–3 co-applicants); at least one applicant must be based in Denmark **Application:** 2-stage: expression of interest → full proposal (with online presentation to review committee) **TRL:** 1-3 **Eligible countries:** DK **Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2026-harnessing-biology-for-climate-resilient-and-healthy-soils/ **Last verified:** 18 June 2026 ## Eligibility & scope Main applicant must be an independent tenured/tenure-track researcher employed ≥75% at a European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation; at least one applicant must be ≥75% employed at a Danish institution. Co-applicants may be global. Industry partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding. Fundamental interdisciplinary research (TRL 1–3) on biological drivers of soil health; no implementation science or translational activities. ## Summary The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2026 funds €5.4-10 million over six years for interdisciplinary teams of 2-4 research groups to investigate biological drivers of soil health and climate resilience. The main applicant must hold an independent tenured or tenure-track position at a European university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation; at least one team member must be based at a Danish institution. This is fundamental research (TRL 1-3) with no translational or implementation component. ## Who should apply - Independent tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals, or non-profit research organisations - Consortia of 2-4 research groups with at least one member at a Danish institution - Fundamental researchers (biology, ecology, chemistry, physics) working on soil health drivers - Teams with interdisciplinary expertise spanning multiple biological and environmental disciplines - Researchers committed to early-stage basic science without commercial translation or implementation phases ## Key dates - Two-stage evaluation: expression of interest followed by full proposal with online presentation to review committee - Project duration of six years ## Tips for applicants - Consortium composition is critical, demonstrate complementary expertise and evidence of prior collaboration across the 2-4 groups; weak team integration sinks otherwise strong science here. - Frame the research as fundamental biology (TRL 1-3) with no implementation angle; Novo Nordisk will desk-reject proposals positioned as translational or field-implementation projects. - The Danish co-applicant requirement is non-negotiable, secure a senior, independent Danish partner early in proposal design. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does the Novo Nordisk Challenge Programme 2026 award? €5.4-10 million per grant over six years, from a total pool of approximately €20 million. ### Who can be the main applicant? An independent tenured or tenure-track researcher employed at least 75% at a European university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation. ### Is a Danish team member required? Yes, at least one applicant (main or co-applicant) must be employed at least 75% at a Danish institution. ### Can industry partners be involved? Industry partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding from this grant. ### What research stage is eligible? Fundamental research only (TRL 1-3); translational and implementation science are not eligible. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2026-harnessing-biology-for-cl) — 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).