Novo Nordisk Foundation
Tandem Programme
14:00 Copenhagen time; Call opens 18 November 2026
Last updated:
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Tandem Programme funds translational research bridging basic science and clinical practice, with up to DKK 11-13 million (approximately €1.47-1.74 million) per grant over four years. Applicants must be a matched pair, one basic researcher and one clinical researcher with active patient responsibilities, both at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit institution, applying jointly with an equal budget split. This is a flagship programme for Danish translational teams seeking to move discoveries closer to the clinic.
Details
| Funder | Novo Nordisk Foundation |
| Budget | Up to DKK 13 mio. per grant |
| Deadline | 21 January 2027 |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Consortium | Required — joint application by a basic researcher and a clinical researcher |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2027-11 |
| Eligible countries | DK |
Eligibility & scope
Supports translational research collaboration between a basic researcher and a clinical researcher in Denmark, targeting Bioscience/Basic Biomedicine and Clinical/Translational Medicine. Open to Research Leaders (Established/Prof.), Research Leaders (Mid-career/Associate Prof.), and Basic and Clinical Researchers based in Denmark.
Who Should Apply
- •Basic and clinical researchers at Danish universities, hospitals, or non-profit institutions applying as a required pair
- •Clinical researchers with active patient-facing responsibilities (not administrative roles)
- •Teams with translational research ideas requiring both laboratory and clinical validation
- •Researchers beyond the PhD and postdoc stage (not PhD students or postdocs as lead applicants)
Key Dates
- •Annual application round; next deadline not yet announced
- •4-year project duration
- •Budget split equally between basic and clinical researcher (60/40 split acceptable)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The pairing is mandatory and central to the review, select a co-applicant with genuine complementary expertise, not a nominal collaborator; weak team fit sinks proposals.
- ✓Clinical relevance is a gating criterion; frame your basic research questions in terms of patient outcomes or clinical unmet need, not just scientific novelty.
- ✓Salaries for main and co-applicants are not fundable; detail other costs (equipment, staff, travel) and personnel explicitly in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Novo Nordisk Tandem Programme grant?
Up to DKK 11-13 million (approximately €1.47-1.74 million) per grant over four years, split equally between the basic and clinical researcher.
Who can apply for the Tandem Programme?
A matched pair: one basic researcher and one clinical researcher with active clinical responsibilities, both based at a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit institution.
Can PhD students or postdocs apply for the Tandem Programme?
No, neither PhD students nor postdocs are eligible as lead applicants or co-applicants.
Is the Tandem Programme recurring?
Yes, it runs annually; the next deadline will be announced by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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