# Tandem Programme

**Funder:** Novo Nordisk Foundation
**Budget:** Up to DKK 13 mio. per grant
**Deadline:** 21 January 2027 (14:00 Copenhagen time; Call opens 18 November 2026)
**Duration:** 4 years
**Consortium:** Required — joint application by a basic researcher and a clinical researcher
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-11
**Eligible countries:** DK
**Official call:** https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/tandem-programme-translational-research-collaboration-between-basic-and-clinical-researchers/
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports translational research collaboration between a basic researcher and a clinical researcher in Denmark, targeting Bioscience/Basic Biomedicine and Clinical/Translational Medicine. Open to Research Leaders (Established/Prof.), Research Leaders (Mid-career/Associate Prof.), and Basic and Clinical Researchers based in Denmark.

## Summary

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Tandem Programme funds translational research bridging basic science and clinical practice, with up to DKK 11-13 million (approximately €1.47-1.74 million) per grant over four years. Applicants must be a matched pair, one basic researcher and one clinical researcher with active patient responsibilities, both at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit institution, applying jointly with an equal budget split. This is a flagship programme for Danish translational teams seeking to move discoveries closer to the clinic.

## Who should apply

- Basic and clinical researchers at Danish universities, hospitals, or non-profit institutions applying as a required pair
- Clinical researchers with active patient-facing responsibilities (not administrative roles)
- Teams with translational research ideas requiring both laboratory and clinical validation
- Researchers beyond the PhD and postdoc stage (not PhD students or postdocs as lead applicants)

## Key dates

- Annual application round; next deadline not yet announced
- 4-year project duration
- Budget split equally between basic and clinical researcher (60/40 split acceptable)

## Tips for applicants

- The pairing is mandatory and central to the review, select a co-applicant with genuine complementary expertise, not a nominal collaborator; weak team fit sinks proposals.
- Clinical relevance is a gating criterion; frame your basic research questions in terms of patient outcomes or clinical unmet need, not just scientific novelty.
- Salaries for main and co-applicants are not fundable; detail other costs (equipment, staff, travel) and personnel explicitly in your budget.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Novo Nordisk Tandem Programme grant?

Up to DKK 11-13 million (approximately €1.47-1.74 million) per grant over four years, split equally between the basic and clinical researcher.

### Who can apply for the Tandem Programme?

A matched pair: one basic researcher and one clinical researcher with active clinical responsibilities, both based at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit institution.

### Can PhD students or postdocs apply for the Tandem Programme?

No, neither PhD students nor postdocs are eligible as lead applicants or co-applicants.

### Is the Tandem Programme recurring?

Yes, it runs annually; the next deadline will be announced by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

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

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