# Clinical Distinguished Investigator

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 11 mio. per grant
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-10
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/clinical-distinguished-investigator/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For clinical professors who are medical doctors/specialist physicians with PhD or dr. med., anchored at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research institution. Applicants must maintain 20–50% clinical responsibilities throughout the 5-year grant period. Institutional support letters from heads of both clinical and research departments required.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant funds clinical professors in Denmark up to DKK 11 million over five years to pursue research while maintaining 20-50% clinical duties. Applicants must hold an MD and PhD (or dr. med.) and be anchored at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research institution. The call runs annually with the next deadline expected in October 2026.

## Who should apply

- Clinical professors holding both MD and PhD (or dr. med.)
- Researchers anchored at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research institution
- Applicants committed to maintaining 20-50% clinical responsibilities throughout the award period
- Researchers with institutional support from both clinical and research department heads

## Key dates

- Next deadline expected October 2026
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Institutional buy-in is gating: secure signed support letters from both your clinical and research department heads before drafting the proposal.
- The clinical workload requirement (20-50%) is monitored; design your project timeline explicitly around ongoing patient-facing duties to show feasibility.
- Emphasize the dual clinical-research innovation pathway; reviewers expect your clinical practice to inform or validate the research direction.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant provide?

Up to DKK 11 million per grant over five years.

### Who can apply for the Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant?

Clinical professors who are medical doctors or specialist physicians with a PhD (or dr. med.), anchored at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research institution.

### Can I apply if I reduce my clinical duties below 20%?

No, applicants must maintain 20-50% clinical responsibilities throughout the entire five-year period.

### When is the next deadline for the Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant?

The next call is expected in October 2026; the previous round closed 28 January 2026.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-clinical-distinguished-investigator-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.