# Challenge Programme 2027 – Advancing Next Generation AMR Diagnostics for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections **Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation **Budget:** DKK 30-75 million per grant **Deadline:** 7 October 2026 (14:00 Copenhagen time) **Duration:** 6 years **Consortium:** Required — leading researchers forming a consortium united by a clear vision and mission **Application:** 2-stage: Stage 1 results December 2026, Stage 2 results June 2027 **Frequency:** Annual **Eligible countries:** DK **Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/challenge-programme-2027-advancing-next-generation-amr-diagnostics-for-lower-respiratory-tract-infections/ **Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026 > **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: Oct date was not the published Stage-1 deadline per NNF ## Eligibility & scope Funds consortia of leading researchers to develop next-generation AMR diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections, targeting research leaders (established/professor level) within Danish and European research ecosystems. International location; research area focus is infectious diseases. ## Summary The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds consortia of established research leaders to develop next-generation diagnostics for antibiotic-resistant pathogens in lower respiratory tract infections, with grants of €4-10 million over six years. The call is open internationally to researchers in EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and the UK working on innovative solutions aligned with the foundation's strategic priorities. This is a one-off, high-ambition call requiring coordinated research partnerships with a shared vision. ## Who should apply - Established and professor-level research leaders with track records in diagnostics or antimicrobial resistance - Consortia spanning research institutions in eligible countries (EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, UK) - Projects addressing lower respiratory tract infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms - Teams with a clearly articulated shared vision and complementary expertise ## Key dates - Deadline 7 October 2026, 2:00pm Copenhagen time - Two-stage review: Stage 1 results December 2026, Stage 2 results June 2027 - Six-year project duration ## Tips for applicants - Consortium quality is gating, articulate the added value of each partner and their specific roles; generic consortia score poorly. - The challenge framing must align visibly with Novo Nordisk Foundation's strategic priorities; review their published strategy before writing. - Stage 1 should be a tight, visionary 10-15 page outline; avoid detailed methods, reviewers screen for ambition and feasibility at Stage 1, not experimental granularity. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 award? Grants range from €4 million to €10 million (DKK 30-75 million) over six years per consortium. ### Who can apply to the Challenge Programme 2027? Established and professor-level research leaders based in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or the UK, applying as consortia. ### Is the Challenge Programme 2027 recurring? No, this is a one-off call with a single deadline in October 2026. ### What is the deadline for the Challenge Programme 2027? 7 October 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time, with Stage 1 results in December 2026 and Stage 2 results in June 2027. ### Must applicants form a consortium? Yes, the call requires a consortium of research partners with a clear shared vision and mission. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2027-advancing-next-generation-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).