# Data Science Investigator – Distinguished

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 13.3 million per grant
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, project anchored at a Danish university or non-profit research institution
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-03
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/data-science-investigator-distinguished-2024/
**Last updated:** 1 Nov 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Grant for outstanding Professors (any age) leading data science/computational science research with potential high impact in areas relevant to NNF's strategy (health, sustainability, life science). Applicants must be full-time researchers primarily employed in Denmark, serving as principal investigator, and must contribute to data science education/training at a Danish institution.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Data Science Distinguished Investigator 2024 award funds senior professors leading independent research groups with up to DKK 13.3 million over five years. The call targets researchers at Danish universities and non-profit institutions working in data science, AI, or computational science applied to life, health, or sustainability. Applicants must be full-time researchers contributing to Danish data science education.

## Who should apply

- Professors with established, independent research groups
- Researchers primarily employed full-time at a Danish university or non-profit research institution
- Leaders in data science, AI, computational science, or applications in life, health, or sustainability
- Applicants committed to educational contributions in data science within Denmark

## Key dates

- Annual deadline (verify exact date on Novo Nordisk Foundation website)
- Single-stage written application
- Up to five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Projects in finance, surveillance, defense, or gaming are explicitly out of scope; confirm your application domain fits life, health, or sustainability before submission.
- Emphasis on educational impact: include a clear narrative on how your group contributes to building Danish capacity in data science.
- This is a senior-level award; reviewers expect a track record of independent leadership and methodological innovation, not early-stage potential.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Data Science Distinguished Investigator grant pay?

Up to DKK 13.3 million per grant over five years.

### Who is eligible for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Data Science Distinguished Investigator award?

Full-time professors with their own research group, primarily employed at a Danish university or non-profit research institution, working in data science, AI, or computational science applied to life, health, or sustainability.

### What research areas are out of scope for this award?

Projects in finance, surveillance, defense, and gaming are explicitly excluded.

### Must applicants contribute to education in Denmark?

Yes, applicants must contribute to educational activities in data science within Denmark as a condition of eligibility.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-data-science-distinguished-investigator-2024-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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