# Start Package Grants – for faculty recruitment

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 10M per grant (DKK 5M for assistant professor, DKK 8M for associate professor, DKK 10M for full professor)
**Deadline:** 8 October 2026 (2:00pm Copenhagen time)
**Duration:** 4 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Quarterly
**Next round:** 2026-10
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/start-package-grants-for-faculty-recruitment-q4-2026/
**Last verified:** 19 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports Danish universities and research institutions in recruiting top researchers of any nationality by providing a 4-year start package. Grant amount depends on position level: up to DKK 5M (assistant professor/tenure track), DKK 8M (associate professor), or DKK 10M (full professor). Host institution must be a Danish university or research institution.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation's Start Package Grants support Danish universities and research institutions in recruiting top researchers of any nationality. The grant provides a 4-year start package with funding up to DKK 5 million for assistant professors, DKK 8 million for associate professors, and DKK 10 million for full professors. Calls run quarterly, making this a regularly recurring opportunity for newly appointed faculty.

## Who should apply

- Faculty appointed at assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor level at a Danish university or research institution
- Researchers of any nationality recently hired into new positions
- Applicants seeking 4-year start-up funding to establish or expand research infrastructure and team
- Host institutions recruiting to strengthen research capacity in specific strategic areas

## Key dates

- Deadline 8 October 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time
- Single-stage application and evaluation
- Four-year project duration following appointment

## Tips for applicants

- The grant amount is tiered by position level, confirm your rank (assistant, associate, or full professor) to target the correct funding ceiling.
- Quarterly rounds mean you are not locked into a single deadline; if you miss October, the next call will follow in early 2027.
- Host institution must be Danish; international researchers can apply only if hired into a position at an eligible Danish institution.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding can I get from the Novo Nordisk Start Package Grant?

Up to DKK 5 million for assistant professors, DKK 8 million for associate professors, and DKK 10 million for full professors, over four years.

### Who is eligible for the Start Package Grant?

Newly appointed faculty of any nationality at Danish universities and research institutions at assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor level.

### How often does the Novo Nordisk Start Package Grant have application rounds?

The call runs quarterly, with the next deadline in October 2026.

### How long is the Start Package Grant?

Four years from the start of the appointment.

### Can international researchers apply for the Start Package Grant?

Yes, researchers of any nationality can apply provided they are hired into a position at a Danish university or research institution.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-start-package-grants-for-faculty-recruitment-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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