Novo Nordisk Foundation
New Exploratory Research and Discovery (NERD) Programme 2026
Call closed 19 February 2026 at 14:00 Copenhagen time; next call expected November 2026
Last verified:
The Novo Nordisk Foundation's New Exploratory Research and Discovery (NERD) Programme funds exploratory research projects up to DKK 16 million over six years for a single principal investigator based in Denmark. The call targets researchers at any post-PhD career stage working in natural and technical sciences with potential application in life sciences, health sciences, or sustainability. The two-stage evaluation process keeps stage one anonymous, assessing ideas only; finalists advance to stage two, where CV and publication list are reviewed for feasibility.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 16 million over 6 years |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: anonymous pre-proposal → full proposal with CV/publications |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2026-11 |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Eligibility & scope
Supports a single PI within natural and technical sciences at any post-PhD career stage, based in Denmark. Funds exploratory research with potential application in life sciences, health sciences, or sustainability. Two-stage evaluation: first stage is anonymous (ideas only); top-ranked proceed to stage 2 with CV and publication list for feasibility assessment.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at any post-PhD career stage (postdoctoral, mid-career, senior)
- •Single principal investigator based at a Danish institution
- •Exploratory research projects bridging natural/technical sciences with life sciences, health, or sustainability applications
- •Early-stage ideas with emerging feasibility, not yet fully developed
Key Dates
- •Deadline for next call: November 2026 (verify exact date on Novo Nordisk Foundation website)
- •Two-stage evaluation: anonymous pre-proposal (stage one) → full proposal with CV and publications (stage two)
- •Six-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Stage one is anonymous and evaluates ideas only, resist the urge to mention your track record or institution; clarity of the research question outweighs credentials here.
- ✓If you advance to stage two, the panel will scrutinise feasibility against your track record; ensure your CV demonstrates relevant technical expertise for the proposed direction.
- ✓The sustainability and health-sciences angle matters: frame your basic research question in terms of eventual application, even if distant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the NERD Programme fund?
Up to DKK 16 million per project over six years.
Who can apply to the NERD Programme?
Single principal investigators at any post-PhD career stage, based at a Danish institution, working in natural and technical sciences.
What research areas does the NERD Programme support?
Exploratory research in natural and technical sciences with potential application in life sciences, health sciences, or sustainability.
Is the NERD Programme stage one anonymous?
Yes, the first stage evaluates research ideas alone, without CV or publication information; finalists proceed to stage two for feasibility assessment.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
More from Novo Nordisk Foundation
Novonesis Biotechnology Prize
Deadline: 1 Aug 20265 Million DKKRECRUIT Grants for International Recruitment
Deadline: 12 Aug 2026DKK 22M–55M over up to 7 yearsRECRUIT Sabbatical Grants
Deadline: 12 Aug 2026Up to DKK 1 million per grantRECRUIT Sabbatical Grants, Autumn 2026
Deadline: 12 Aug 2026Up to DKK 1 million per grantRECRUIT – Grants for International Recruitment, Autumn 2026
Deadline: 12 Aug 2026Up to DKK 55 million per grant
Browse Related
Could New Exploratory Research and Discovery (NERD) Programme 2026 be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →