# Challenge Programme – Heat and Hypertension - understanding the mechanisms of interaction

**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 form 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-heat-and-hypertension-understanding-the-mechanisms-of-interaction/
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

> **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: duplicate row (canonical sibling kept)

## Eligibility & scope

Aims to develop Danish and European research ecosystems in strategic priority areas, supporting research leaders to form a consortium addressing heat and hypertension mechanisms. Targeted at established/professor-level research leaders based in Denmark.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2027 funds mechanistic research on heat, hypertension interactions with €4-10 million per grant over six years. The call targets tenured or tenure-track researchers at European institutions, with mandatory consortium structure (2-4 groups, at least one based in Denmark). This one-off programme prioritises interdisciplinary, human-centric studies bridging basic and translational science; purely in-vitro or observational projects are out of scope.

## Who should apply

- Tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals, or non-profit research organisations
- Willing to lead or co-lead a consortium of 2-4 research groups with interdisciplinary expertise
- At least one consortium member based at a Danish institution (≥75% employment)
- Research combining mechanistic understanding with human-centred translation, avoiding purely in-vitro or observational designs

## Key dates

- Two-stage process: Stage 1 expression of interest (deadline not specified in this segment) → Stage 2 full proposal with online presentation
- Six-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Consortium strength is gating, use Stage 1 to demonstrate complementary expertise and a clear leadership structure; weak or generic consortia do not progress.
- The call explicitly excludes purely in-vitro and observational work; frame your research as mechanistic but human-centric, bridging basic discovery and clinical relevance.
- Danish partner placement is mandatory; establish your collaborations early, as lack of a strong Danish institution co-applicant will disqualify at Stage 1.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Challenge Programme 2027 heat, hypertension grant pay?

EUR 4-10 million per consortium over six years; approximately EUR 20 million is available across the full call.

### Who can be the main applicant for this challenge programme?

A tenured or tenure-track researcher employed at ≥75% at a European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation.

### Is a Danish partner required?

Yes, at least one consortium member must be employed ≥75% at a Danish institution; co-applicants may be based globally.

### What type of research is not eligible?

Purely in-vitro or purely observational projects are out of scope; the call requires interdisciplinary, human-centric mechanistic research.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-challenge-programme-2027-heat-and-hypertension-und-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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