# RECRUIT Sabbatical Grants, Autumn 2026

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 1 million per grant
**Deadline:** 12 August 2026 (2:00pm Copenhagen time)
**Duration:** Up to 1 year
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: university nominates candidates (nomination list submitted before deadline) → nominated candidates submit application via NORMA
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/recruit-sabbatical-grants-2026/
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports internationalisation for Danish university faculty in time-unlimited positions (mid-career/associate prof. or established/prof. level). Candidates must be nominated by a Danish university (quota-based); only nominated candidates are considered. Research focus must be within natural and technical sciences, interdisciplinarity, biotechnology, or sustainability. Available for researchers going abroad from Denmark or international researchers coming to Denmark.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation RECRUIT Sabbatical Grant funds up to DKK 1 million for university faculty in Denmark to take a one-year research sabbatical, supporting researchers moving abroad or international researchers coming to Denmark. Faculty must be nominated by their institution and work in natural sciences, technical sciences, biotechnology, or sustainability. Applications are competitive and limited by institutional nomination quotas.

## Who should apply

- University faculty in permanent (time-unlimited) positions at accredited Danish universities
- Researchers working in natural sciences, technical sciences, biotechnology, or sustainability
- Researchers seeking a one-year sabbatical placement abroad from Denmark or international academics visiting Denmark
- Candidates nominated by their home institution before the deadline

## Key dates

- Nomination deadline 12 August 2026, 2:00pm Copenhagen time (universities submit nominated candidate lists)
- Two-stage process: institutional nomination followed by individual application via NORMA portal
- Up to one-year sabbatical duration

## Tips for applicants

- Your institution must formally nominate you before 12 August; check your university's internal nomination process and quota early, as these vary by institution.
- Emphasise the research benefit and career development of the sabbatical, not administrative or teaching relief.
- If moving abroad, clarify the host institution and collaboration; if hosting an international visitor, detail the joint research plan and institutional support.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the RECRUIT Sabbatical Grant pay?

Up to DKK 1 million per grant for a one-year sabbatical.

### Who is eligible for the RECRUIT Sabbatical Grant?

University faculty in time-unlimited (permanent) positions at Danish universities, nominated by their institution and working in natural sciences, technical sciences, biotechnology, or sustainability.

### Can I apply directly or must I be nominated?

Only nominated candidates can apply; your institution must include you on its nomination list before the 12 August deadline.

### Can international researchers apply to bring sabbatical time to Denmark?

Yes, the grant supports both Danish faculty going abroad and international researchers coming to Denmark, provided they are nominated by a Danish university host.

### Is the RECRUIT Sabbatical Grant awarded annually?

Yes, the call runs annually with an August deadline.

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