Novo Nordisk Foundation
RECRUIT – Grants for International Recruitment, Autumn 2026
2:00pm Copenhagen time
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The Novo Nordisk Foundation's RECRUIT grants fund the international recruitment of senior academics to Danish universities, providing up to DKK 55 million per grant for up to seven years. The call targets assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors in natural sciences, biotechnology, and related life sciences, nominated by a Danish host institution. This is an annual call supporting Denmark's capacity to attract and retain world-leading researchers.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 55 million per grant |
| Deadline | 12 August 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 7 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Eligibility & scope
Mobility grant for international recruitment to Danish universities at assistant-, associate-, or full-professor level. Candidates must be nominated by a Danish university (nomination quota applies). Research focus must be in natural/technical sciences, interdisciplinarity, or biotechnology and sustainability. Proposals submitted in English.
Who Should Apply
- •Senior academics at assistant-, associate-, or full-professor level
- •Researchers in natural sciences, biotechnology, and related life sciences
- •International candidates recruited to a Danish university host institution
- •Applicants nominated by their Danish host institution (subject to nomination quota)
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 12 August 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time
- •Single-stage application; results announced late November 2026
- •Grant period: up to 7 years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Nomination comes from the Danish host institution, not directly from the candidate, coordinate early with your prospective department chair or dean.
- ✓The grant ceiling is high (DKK 55M) but covers salary, research setup, and staff over seven years, budget conservatively for your field's norms to strengthen competitiveness.
- ✓RECRUIT emphasises international track record and strategic fit to Danish research strengths; highlight publications and prior leadership roles to signal impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Novo Nordisk Foundation RECRUIT grant provide?
Up to DKK 55 million per grant over a project period of up to 7 years.
Who is eligible for the RECRUIT grant?
Senior academics at assistant-, associate-, or full-professor level in natural sciences, biotechnology, or related life sciences, nominated by a Danish university host institution.
Do I apply directly or through my institution?
Your Danish host institution must nominate you; individual applications are not accepted. Confirm nomination eligibility and quota with your prospective department early.
When is the RECRUIT grant deadline?
The autumn 2026 deadline is 12 August 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time, with results announced in late November 2026.
Is RECRUIT open only to candidates moving to Denmark?
Yes, it is a mobility grant for international recruitment, so the candidate must be recruited from outside Denmark to a Danish university.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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