Novo Nordisk Foundation
Challenge Programme 2026 – Harnessing Biology for Climate-Resilient and Healthy Soils
2-stage process; Stage 1 expression of interest deadline not specified on page
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The Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2026 funds €5.4-10 million over six years for interdisciplinary teams of 2-4 research groups to investigate biological drivers of soil health and climate resilience. The main applicant must hold an independent tenured or tenure-track position at a European university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation; at least one team member must be based at a Danish institution. This is fundamental research (TRL 1-3) with no translational or implementation component.
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.
Who Should Apply
- •Independent tenured or tenure-track researchers at European universities, hospitals, or non-profit research organisations
- •Consortia of 2-4 research groups with at least one member at a Danish institution
- •Fundamental researchers (biology, ecology, chemistry, physics) working on soil health drivers
- •Teams with interdisciplinary expertise spanning multiple biological and environmental disciplines
- •Researchers committed to early-stage basic science without commercial translation or implementation phases
Key Dates
- •Two-stage evaluation: expression of interest followed by full proposal with online presentation to review committee
- •Project duration of six years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Consortium composition is critical, demonstrate complementary expertise and evidence of prior collaboration across the 2-4 groups; weak team integration sinks otherwise strong science here.
- ✓Frame the research as fundamental biology (TRL 1-3) with no implementation angle; Novo Nordisk will desk-reject proposals positioned as translational or field-implementation projects.
- ✓The Danish co-applicant requirement is non-negotiable, secure a senior, independent Danish partner early in proposal design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Novo Nordisk Challenge Programme 2026 award?
€5.4-10 million per grant over six years, from a total pool of approximately €20 million.
Who can be the main applicant?
An independent tenured or tenure-track researcher employed at least 75% at a European university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation.
Is a Danish team member required?
Yes, at least one applicant (main or co-applicant) must be employed at least 75% at a Danish institution.
Can industry partners be involved?
Industry partners may collaborate but cannot receive funding from this grant.
What research stage is eligible?
Fundamental research only (TRL 1-3); translational and implementation science are not eligible.
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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