# Start Package Grants for Faculty Recruitment Q1-2026

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/start-package-grants-for-faculty-recruitment-q1-2026/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports faculty recruitment across health and sustainability research areas including bioscience, AI, climate, food, and regenerative medicine. Eligibility requirements for recruiting institution, position, and candidate detailed in guidelines. Applications submitted via NORMA system. Open year-round with grants awarded four times per year.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Start Package Grants for Faculty Recruitment support Danish institutions in recruiting promising early-career researchers across health and sustainability fields, including bioscience, AI, climate, food, and regenerative medicine. Applications are submitted year-round via the NORMA system and reviewed on a quarterly basis, with awards announced four times per year. Eligibility criteria cover the recruiting institution, position specification, and candidate qualifications, consult the detailed guidelines before submission.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers being recruited to faculty positions at Danish research institutions
- Recruiting institutions (universities, hospitals, research centres) in Denmark
- Research spanning bioscience, artificial intelligence, climate, food systems, and regenerative medicine
- Candidates with ambition to establish independent research groups

## Key dates

- Continuous year-round submission via NORMA system
- Quarterly review cycles with four award decisions annually
- Check the Novo Nordisk Foundation website for Q1-2026 submission window

## Tips for applicants

- The NORMA system and eligibility guidelines are detailed; confirm institutional and candidate status against the criteria before drafting to avoid triage rejection.
- Quarterly cycles mean timing matters: submit early in your target window to avoid administrative delays during peak periods.
- Position specification and recruiting-institution backing are weighted heavily; ensure your host department submits a strong co-letter.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I apply for a Novo Nordisk Foundation Start Package Grant if I am outside Denmark?

No, the call is open only to Danish recruiting institutions and positions based in Denmark.

### How often are Start Package Grant decisions made?

Awards are announced four times per year following quarterly review cycles, with submissions open year-round.

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

The grant supports faculty recruitment in health and sustainability research including bioscience, AI, climate, food systems, and regenerative medicine.

### What is the application process for the Start Package Grant?

Applications are submitted via the NORMA system according to detailed eligibility guidelines covering the recruiting institution, position, and candidate qualifications.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/novo-nordisk-foundation-start-package-grants-for-faculty-recruitment-q1-20-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.