Novo Nordisk Foundation
Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme 2026
2:00pm Copenhagen time
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The Novo Nordisk Foundation's Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme funds creative, high-risk/high-gain research addressing health and sustainability challenges through cross-disciplinary collaboration, with grants up to DKK 6.8 million over three years. Applicants must be based in Denmark and lead a consortium of 2-4 entities from different scientific disciplines. The call prioritizes early-stage, untested ideas requiring novel combinations of expertise and techniques.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 6.8M per grant |
| Deadline | 3 September 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Consortium | Required, 2-4 entities (main applicant + 1-3 co-applicants) from different disciplines |
| Application | Single stage |
| TRL | 1-2 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2027-03 |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Eligibility & scope
Supports exploratory interdisciplinary research projects hosted at institutions in Denmark. Administered by the Committee on Interdisciplinary Research. Call opened 12 March 2026; results announced end of December 2026.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers based in Denmark with a novel, high-risk research idea spanning multiple disciplines
- •Teams willing to assemble a formal consortium of 2-4 partners from distinct scientific fields
- •Applicants working at the intersection of health and sustainability challenges
- •Projects at early development stage (TRL 1-2) seeking transformative, untested approaches
- •Researchers open to cross-organisational and cross-border collaboration
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 3 September 2026 at 14:00 Copenhagen time
- •Single-stage application
- •Three-year project duration
- •Annual call; next expected round in March 2027
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Interdisciplinarity is gating, the consortium must demonstrate genuine intellectual synthesis across fields, not just co-authorship. Name distinct disciplinary leads and explain how their techniques combine to address the problem.
- ✓High-risk/high-gain framing is central: articulate why the idea is currently untested and why existing disciplinary approaches fall short. Panels reward bold conceptual leaps over incremental extensions.
- ✓Consortium logistics matter operationally, clarify role division, governance, and co-applicant commitment in writing; half-hearted partners will show in the review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I get from the Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme?
Up to DKK 6.8 million per grant over three years.
Do I have to form a consortium?
Yes, the programme requires a consortium of 2-4 entities from different disciplines, with you as the main applicant and 1-3 co-applicants.
Who is eligible to apply?
Researchers based in Denmark who can lead an interdisciplinary consortium addressing health and sustainability challenges.
What does TRL 1-2 mean for my research idea?
The programme targets early-stage, untested ideas at the proof-of-concept phase, not mature or near-market technologies.
When is the next deadline?
The annual deadline is 3 September 2026 at 14:00 Copenhagen time; the following round is expected in March 2027.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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