This round closed on 7 October 2026. The details below are from that round.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme guide lists the next deadline if Novo Nordisk Foundation announces one.
Novo Nordisk Foundation
Challenge Programme
14:00 CEST; Stage 1 deadline
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The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme funds large, consortium-based research projects on the 2027 theme "Heat and hypertension - understanding the mechanisms of interaction," with DKK 30-75 million (roughly €4-10 million) available over six years. It targets tenured or tenure-track researchers leading multi-group consortia of two to four research groups, with at least one group based in Denmark. The call requires early-stage, mechanistic research (TRL 1-3) and runs a two-stage process culminating in an online panel presentation.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | DKK 30–75 million (ca. EUR 4–10 million) |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Consortium | Required — consortium of 2-4 research groups (main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants) |
| Application | 2-stage: Stage 1 expression of interest → Stage 2 full proposal with online panel presentation |
| TRL | 1-3 |
| Frequency | Annual |
Eligibility & scope
2027 Challenge Programme theme 'Heat and hypertension - understanding the mechanisms of interaction'. Main applicant must be a tenured/tenure-track researcher at a European (EU, Schengen, UK) university, hospital or non-profit research organisation with ≥75% commitment; at least one applicant must be ≥75% employed in Denmark. Co-applicant institutions may be located anywhere globally; industry collaboration allowed but industrial partners cannot receive funding.
Who Should Apply
- •Tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals or non-profit research organisations with at least 75% commitment
- •Consortium leads able to assemble 2-4 research groups, with at least one group at least 75% employed in Denmark
- •Research teams working on early-stage mechanistic questions (TRL 1-3) around heat exposure and hypertension
- •Co-applicants from institutions anywhere globally, including potential industry collaborators (though industry partners cannot receive funding)
Key Dates
- •Stage 1 expression of interest deadline: 7 October 2026, 14:00 CEST
- •Two-stage process: Stage 1 expression of interest, then Stage 2 full proposal with an online panel presentation
- •Six-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Secure a Denmark-based co-applicant early, since the consortium requirement makes this a gating eligibility criterion, not just a preference.
- ✓Frame the science strictly around the annual theme, proposals outside 'heat and hypertension' mechanisms will not fit this cycle.
- ✓Prepare for the Stage 2 online panel presentation as a distinct evaluation step; it is not a formality after the written proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme provide?
DKK 30-75 million, approximately €4-10 million, for a six-year project.
Who can be the main applicant for the Challenge Programme?
A tenured or tenure-track researcher at a European (EU, Schengen, or UK) university, hospital or non-profit research organisation with at least 75% commitment, with at least one consortium member at least 75% employed in Denmark.
How many research groups are required in a Challenge Programme consortium?
A consortium of 2-4 research groups: the main applicant plus 1-3 co-applicants.
What is the application process for the Challenge Programme?
It is a two-stage process: a Stage 1 expression of interest followed by a Stage 2 full proposal with an online panel presentation.
Can industry partners be involved in a Challenge Programme consortium?
Yes, industry collaboration is allowed, but industrial partners cannot receive funding from the grant.
Related on Grantsby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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