Novo Nordisk Foundation
Clinical Distinguished Investigator
14:00 Copenhagen time; Call opens 18 November 2026
Last updated:
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant funds clinical professors in Denmark up to DKK 11 million over five years to pursue research while maintaining 20-50% clinical duties. Applicants must hold an MD and PhD (or dr. med.) and be anchored at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research institution. The call runs annually with the next deadline expected in October 2026.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 11 mio. |
| Deadline | 20 January 2027 |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2027-11 |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Eligibility & scope
For medical doctors/specialist physicians with a PhD or dr. med. who hold a clinical professor position; applicants must remain clinically active (20-50% clinical, 50-80% research) throughout the 5-year grant period.
Who Should Apply
- •Clinical professors holding both MD and PhD (or dr. med.)
- •Researchers anchored at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research institution
- •Applicants committed to maintaining 20-50% clinical responsibilities throughout the award period
- •Researchers with institutional support from both clinical and research department heads
Key Dates
- •Next deadline expected October 2026
- •Five-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Institutional buy-in is gating: secure signed support letters from both your clinical and research department heads before drafting the proposal.
- ✓The clinical workload requirement (20-50%) is monitored; design your project timeline explicitly around ongoing patient-facing duties to show feasibility.
- ✓Emphasize the dual clinical-research innovation pathway; reviewers expect your clinical practice to inform or validate the research direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Novo Nordisk Foundation Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant provide?
Up to DKK 11 million per grant over five years.
Who can apply for the Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant?
Clinical professors who are medical doctors or specialist physicians with a PhD (or dr. med.), anchored at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research institution.
Can I apply if I reduce my clinical duties below 20%?
No, applicants must maintain 20-50% clinical responsibilities throughout the entire five-year period.
When is the next deadline for the Clinical Distinguished Investigator grant?
The next call is expected in October 2026; the previous round closed 28 January 2026.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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