# Data Science Investigator Programme – Distinguished Investigator

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 14.7 million
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/data-science-investigator-programme/
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For outstanding Professors with 15+ years post-PhD and a track record of international leadership. Applicant must be employed and based in Denmark at a university or non-profit research institution. Must contribute to data/computational science education in Denmark. Covers algorithm/method development and/or applications in life science, health, sustainability, agriculture.

## Summary

The Data Science Investigator Programme, Distinguished Investigator offers up to DKK 14.7 million over five years for outstanding professors with 15+ years post-PhD to lead data science and AI research in Denmark. Applicants must be employed at a Danish university or non-profit research institution and demonstrate a track record of international leadership. The call prioritises projects that also contribute to data science and computational education in Denmark, and welcomes applications spanning AI, computational science, and their applications in life sciences, health, and sustainability.

## Who should apply

- Professors and senior researchers with 15+ years post-PhD experience and international recognition
- Researchers employed and based at a Danish university or non-profit research institution
- Leaders with a strong track record in data science, artificial intelligence, or computational science
- Applicants committed to contributing to data science education in Denmark
- Projects spanning AI, computational methods, and their application to life sciences, health, or sustainability challenges

## Key dates

- Deadline and application stages available on Novo Nordisk Foundation website
- Up to five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- International leadership record is a core criterion, highlight your global collaborations, citations, and prior grants in the research track record section.
- The education contribution is mandatory and reviewed; articulate a concrete plan to strengthen data science training (courses, mentorship, curriculum design) in your Danish host institution.
- Novo Nordisk prioritises life sciences and health applications, frame your computational work explicitly within those domains to strengthen competitiveness.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Data Science Investigator Programme, Distinguished Investigator provide?

Up to DKK 14.7 million over five years.

### Who is eligible for the Distinguished Investigator programme?

Outstanding professors with at least 15 years post-PhD and an established international leadership record, employed and based at a Danish university or non-profit research institution.

### Can I apply if I am based outside Denmark?

No, applicants must be employed and based in Denmark at the time of application.

### What research areas does this call cover?

Data science, artificial intelligence, computational science, and their applications in life sciences, health, and sustainability.

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