# Start Package Grants

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 10 million per grant
**Deadline:** 25 January 2027 (14:00 Copenhagen time; Call opens 8 October 2026)
**Duration:** 4 years
**Consortium:** No - individual candidate recruited by host institution
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Quarterly
**Next round:** 2027-01
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/start-package-grants-for-faculty-recruitment-q1-2027/
**Last updated:** 11 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Grants to Danish universities or research institutions to support recruitment of top researchers (assistant/associate/full professor or clinical chair) within medical sciences, life sciences, sustainability, or natural and technical sciences. Funding is provided to the host institution for the candidate's establishment of an independent research group; recruiting institution must be Danish.

## Summary

The Start Package Grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation provides up to DKK 10 million over four years to help Danish universities and research institutions recruit top researchers for independent group-leader positions, at assistant, associate, or full professor or clinical chair level. It covers medical sciences, life sciences, sustainability, and natural and technical sciences. The call runs quarterly, so researchers being recruited can target several rounds per year rather than a single annual deadline.

## Who should apply

- Researchers being recruited to a professor or clinical chair position at a Danish institution
- Candidates establishing an independent research group for the first time at that level
- Projects in medical sciences, life sciences, sustainability, or natural and technical sciences
- Danish universities or research institutions acting as the host and applicant

## Key dates

- Deadline 25 January 2027, 14:00 Copenhagen time; call opens 8 October 2026
- Single-stage application process
- Calls run quarterly, with the next expected round in January 2027
- Four-year grant duration

## Tips for applicants

- Because this is an institutional application, coordinate early with the host institution's grants office since they submit on the candidate's behalf.
- With quarterly rounds, a missed deadline costs only a few months, plan the recruitment timeline around the specific quarter rather than waiting a full year.
- Frame the proposal around establishing a new independent group, not continuing an existing line of work, since the grant funds recruitment and establishment specifically.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Start Package Grant pay?

Up to DKK 10 million per grant, over a four-year period.

### Who can apply for the Start Package Grant?

Danish universities or research institutions apply on behalf of a candidate they are recruiting as assistant, associate, or full professor or clinical chair.

### Is a consortium required for the Start Package Grant?

No, the grant supports an individual candidate recruited by a single host institution rather than a multi-partner consortium.

### How often can you apply to the Start Package Grant?

The call runs quarterly, with the next expected round in January 2027 and a deadline of 25 January 2027 at 14:00 Copenhagen time.

### What research areas does the Start Package Grant cover?

Medical sciences, life sciences, sustainability, and natural and technical sciences.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-start-package-grants-2027-01) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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