# Data Science Investigator Programme – Emerging 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 starting group leaders (senior postdocs, senior researchers, assistant professors) with 4–8 years post-PhD. 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, Emerging Investigator offers up to DKK 14.7 million over five years for researchers 4-8 years post-PhD to establish independent research groups in Denmark. The call targets senior postdocs, senior researchers, and assistant professors at Danish universities or non-profit research institutions working on data science, AI, or computational science with applications in life, health, or sustainability. Applicants must commit to contributing to data and computational science education in Denmark.

## Who should apply

- Researchers 4-8 years post-PhD in senior postdoc, senior researcher, or assistant professor roles
- Applicants employed and based at a Danish university or non-profit research institution
- Data science, AI, and computational science researchers with applications in life sciences, health, or sustainability
- Candidates willing to contribute to data science and computational science education in Denmark

## Key dates

- Application deadline: 20 May 2026 (verify on Novo Nordisk Foundation site for any extension)
- Five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- The education contribution is mandatory and evaluated, detail your concrete plan for enhancing data science curriculum or training at your institution.
- Computational science must connect to a real-world application in life, health, or sustainability; methods-only proposals underperform.
- Novo Nordisk favours research that bridges data infrastructure and disciplinary impact; frame your project at this intersection.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Data Science Investigator Programme pay?

Up to DKK 14.7 million over five years per project.

### Who is eligible for the Novo Nordisk Data Science Investigator Programme?

Researchers 4-8 years post-PhD in senior postdoc, senior researcher, or assistant professor roles, employed and based at a Danish university or non-profit research institution.

### What research areas are covered by the Data Science Investigator Programme?

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

### Is an education or outreach contribution required?

Yes, applicants must demonstrate a commitment to contributing to data and computational science education in Denmark.

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