# Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme 2026

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 6.8M per grant
**Deadline:** 3 September 2026 (2:00pm Copenhagen time)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Consortium:** Required, 2-4 entities (main applicant + 1-3 co-applicants) from different disciplines
**Application:** Single stage
**TRL:** 1-2
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/exploratory-interdisciplinary-synergy-programme-2026/
**Last verified:** 29 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports exploratory interdisciplinary research projects hosted at institutions in Denmark. Administered by the Committee on Interdisciplinary Research. Call opened 12 March 2026; results announced end of December 2026.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation's Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme funds creative, high-risk/high-gain research addressing health and sustainability challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration, with grants up to DKK 6.8 million over three years. Applicants must be based in Denmark and lead a consortium of 2-4 entities from different scientific disciplines. The call prioritizes early-stage, untested ideas requiring novel combinations of expertise and techniques.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based in Denmark with a novel, high-risk research idea spanning multiple disciplines
- Teams willing to assemble a formal consortium of 2-4 partners from distinct scientific fields
- Applicants working at the intersection of health and sustainability challenges
- Projects at early development stage (TRL 1-2) seeking transformative, untested approaches
- Researchers open to cross-organisational and cross-border collaboration

## Key dates

- Deadline: 3 September 2026 at 14:00 Copenhagen time
- Single-stage application
- Three-year project duration
- Annual call; next expected round in March 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Interdisciplinarity is gating, the consortium must demonstrate genuine intellectual synthesis across fields, not just co-authorship. Name distinct disciplinary leads and explain how their techniques combine to address the problem.
- High-risk/high-gain framing is central: articulate why the idea is currently untested and why existing disciplinary approaches fall short. Panels reward bold conceptual leaps over incremental extensions.
- Consortium logistics matter operationally, clarify role division, governance, and co-applicant commitment in writing; half-hearted partners will show in the review.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I get from the Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme?

Up to DKK 6.8 million per grant over three years.

### Do I have to form a consortium?

Yes, the programme requires a consortium of 2-4 entities from different disciplines, with you as the main applicant and 1-3 co-applicants.

### Who is eligible to apply?

Researchers based in Denmark who can lead an interdisciplinary consortium addressing health and sustainability challenges.

### What does TRL 1-2 mean for my research idea?

The programme targets early-stage, untested ideas at the proof-of-concept phase, not mature or near-market technologies.

### When is the next deadline?

The annual deadline is 3 September 2026 at 14:00 Copenhagen time; the following round is expected in March 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-exploratory-interdisciplinary-synergy-programme-20-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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