Novo Nordisk Foundation
Start Package Grants – for faculty recruitment
2:00pm Copenhagen time
Last verified:
The Novo Nordisk Foundation's Start Package Grants support Danish universities and research institutions in recruiting top researchers of any nationality. The grant provides a 4-year start package with funding up to DKK 5 million for assistant professors, DKK 8 million for associate professors, and DKK 10 million for full professors. Calls run quarterly, making this a regularly recurring opportunity for newly appointed faculty.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 10M per grant (DKK 5M for assistant professor, DKK 8M for associate professor, DKK 10M for full professor) |
| Deadline | 8 October 2026 |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Quarterly |
| Next round | 2026-10 |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Eligibility & scope
Supports Danish universities and research institutions in recruiting top researchers of any nationality by providing a 4-year start package. Grant amount depends on position level: up to DKK 5M (assistant professor/tenure track), DKK 8M (associate professor), or DKK 10M (full professor). Host institution must be a Danish university or research institution.
Who Should Apply
- •Faculty appointed at assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor level at a Danish university or research institution
- •Researchers of any nationality recently hired into new positions
- •Applicants seeking 4-year start-up funding to establish or expand research infrastructure and team
- •Host institutions recruiting to strengthen research capacity in specific strategic areas
Key Dates
- •Deadline 8 October 2026 at 2:00pm Copenhagen time
- •Single-stage application and evaluation
- •Four-year project duration following appointment
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The grant amount is tiered by position level, confirm your rank (assistant, associate, or full professor) to target the correct funding ceiling.
- ✓Quarterly rounds mean you are not locked into a single deadline; if you miss October, the next call will follow in early 2027.
- ✓Host institution must be Danish; international researchers can apply only if hired into a position at an eligible Danish institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding can I get from the Novo Nordisk Start Package Grant?
Up to DKK 5 million for assistant professors, DKK 8 million for associate professors, and DKK 10 million for full professors, over four years.
Who is eligible for the Start Package Grant?
Newly appointed faculty of any nationality at Danish universities and research institutions at assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor level.
How often does the Novo Nordisk Start Package Grant have application rounds?
The call runs quarterly, with the next deadline in October 2026.
How long is the Start Package Grant?
Four years from the start of the appointment.
Can international researchers apply for the Start Package Grant?
Yes, researchers of any nationality can apply provided they are hired into a position at a Danish university or research institution.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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