Novo Nordisk Foundation

Challenge Programme 2026 – Harnessing Biology for Climate-Resilient and Healthy Soils

DKK 40–75M per grant (ca. EUR 5.4–10M); total pool ca. EUR 20M6 years

2-stage process; Stage 1 expression of interest deadline not specified on page

Last verified: 19 April 2026

This is the current call of theNovo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programmeprogramme. The programme guide coverseligibility, budget, success rate and FAQacross every round.

Details

Funder	Novo Nordisk Foundation
Budget	DKK 40–75M per grant (ca. EUR 5.4–10M); total pool ca. EUR 20M
Duration	6 years
Consortium	Required — 2–4 research groups (main applicant + 1–3 co-applicants); at least one applicant must be based in Denmark
Application	2-stage: expression of interest → full proposal (with online presentation to review committee)
TRL	1-3
Eligible countries	DK

Eligibility & scope

Main applicant must be an independent tenured/tenure-track researcher employed ≥75% at a European (EU, Schengen Area, or UK) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation; at least one applicant must be ≥75% employed at a Danish institution. Co-applicants may be global. Industry partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding. Fundamental interdisciplinary research (TRL 1–3) on biological drivers of soil health; no implementation science or translational activities.