# New Exploratory Research and Discovery (NERD) Programme 2026

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 16 million over 6 years
**Duration:** 6 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: anonymous pre-proposal → full proposal with CV/publications
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2026-11
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/new-exploratory-research-and-discovery-nerd-programme-2026/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports a single PI within natural and technical sciences at any post-PhD career stage, based in Denmark. Funds exploratory research with potential application in life sciences, health sciences, or sustainability. Two-stage evaluation: first stage is anonymous (ideas only); top-ranked proceed to stage 2 with CV and publication list for feasibility assessment.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation's New Exploratory Research and Discovery (NERD) Programme funds exploratory research projects up to DKK 16 million over six years for a single principal investigator based in Denmark. The call targets researchers at any post-PhD career stage working in natural and technical sciences with potential application in life sciences, health sciences, or sustainability. The two-stage evaluation process keeps stage one anonymous, assessing ideas only; finalists advance to stage two, where CV and publication list are reviewed for feasibility.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at any post-PhD career stage (postdoctoral, mid-career, senior)
- Single principal investigator based at a Danish institution
- Exploratory research projects bridging natural/technical sciences with life sciences, health, or sustainability applications
- Early-stage ideas with emerging feasibility, not yet fully developed

## Key dates

- Deadline for next call: November 2026 (verify exact date on Novo Nordisk Foundation website)
- Two-stage evaluation: anonymous pre-proposal (stage one) → full proposal with CV and publications (stage two)
- Six-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Stage one is anonymous and evaluates ideas only, resist the urge to mention your track record or institution; clarity of the research question outweighs credentials here.
- If you advance to stage two, the panel will scrutinise feasibility against your track record; ensure your CV demonstrates relevant technical expertise for the proposed direction.
- The sustainability and health-sciences angle matters: frame your basic research question in terms of eventual application, even if distant.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the NERD Programme fund?

Up to DKK 16 million per project over six years.

### Who can apply to the NERD Programme?

Single principal investigators at any post-PhD career stage, based at a Danish institution, working in natural and technical sciences.

### What research areas does the NERD Programme support?

Exploratory research in natural and technical sciences with potential application in life sciences, health sciences, or sustainability.

### Is the NERD Programme stage one anonymous?

Yes, the first stage evaluates research ideas alone, without CV or publication information; finalists proceed to stage two for feasibility assessment.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-new-exploratory-research-and-discovery-nerd-progra-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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