# 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:** 19 April 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.

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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.