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Project Grants in the Natural and Technical Sciences 2026

Novo Nordisk Fonden

The objective of this call is to promote fundamental research within the natural and technical sciences with potential applications within life science, health science or sustainability.

Areas of support

The call supports fundamental research within the natural and technical sciences, including, e.g., physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and technical sciences.

The application must describe how the outcome of the project may have potential future applications within life science, health science or sustainability.

Funding

Applicants may request funding of up to DKK 4 million for projects with a duration of up to 3 years. The project duration can range from 1 to 3 years, and the budget applied for must be proportionate to the project’s length. The grant can be extended to 4 years if used to cover a 4-year PhD fellowship, however, with a maximum total budget of DKK 4 million.

A grant capital of DKK 77 million is available in 2026.

Application Process

The application must be completed and submitted using the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s electronic application system NORMA which can be accessed using the Send application link at the top of this page.

Please read the Application Guidelines (available via the link at the top of this page from 19 June) before starting your application. Additional essential information about the call and application process is provided here.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Outstanding scientific quality (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Scientific excellence is the foundation of all NNF funding decisions.

Competitive proposals demonstrate:

High scientific quality
Clear scientific rationale
Strong research questions
Rigorous methodology
High technical standards

Independent international expert committees evaluate scientific quality as a primary criterion.

2. Novelty and innovation (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Innovation is one of the Foundation's explicit review criteria.

Competitive projects should include:

Novel hypotheses
Original concepts
Innovative technologies
Creative experimental approaches
Transformative scientific ideas

Applications proposing genuinely new approaches are generally more competitive than incremental studies.

3. Potential scientific and societal impact (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Review committees assess whether the proposed work has the potential to produce meaningful impact.

Competitive projects demonstrate potential to:

Advance scientific knowledge
Improve human health
Strengthen life sciences
Benefit society
Support sustainability where relevant
Improve healthcare or clinical practice

Potential impact is a formal component of proposal evaluation.

4. Strong qualifications of the applicant (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Applicant excellence is a major evaluation criterion.

Reviewers assess:

Scientific track record
Publications
Previous discoveries
Leadership ability
Independence
Career achievements
Ability to successfully complete the project

For senior awards such as the Laureate Research Grant, investigator excellence is a major determinant of funding.

5. Rigorous methodology and project feasibility (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive applications include:

Clear objectives
Appropriate methodology
Realistic timelines
Achievable milestones
Sound experimental design
Risk management

Committees evaluate whether the project can realistically achieve its proposed objectives.

6. Alignment with the specific funding call (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Each NNF funding programme has its own objectives and assessment criteria.

Competitive proposals closely match:

The specific call
The programme's scientific focus
Eligibility requirements
Strategic priorities

Applicants are expected to follow the individual call guidelines carefully.

7. Strong research environment and institutional support (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers consider:

Host institution quality
Research infrastructure
Institutional commitment
Available facilities
Collaborative environment

Many calls require formal support from the host institution.

8. Appropriate and well-justified budget (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

NNF explicitly evaluates:

Budget realism
Cost justification
Efficient use of resources
Appropriate allocation of funds

Budgets should align closely with the proposed scientific activities.

9. Multidisciplinary collaboration and ecosystem contribution (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Many NNF programmes encourage:

Cross-disciplinary collaboration
International partnerships
Industry–academic collaboration
Contributions to the life science ecosystem

Projects that strengthen research capacity and collaboration are viewed favorably.

10. High-quality application preparation and communication (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Competitive applications typically demonstrate:

Clear organization
Excellent scientific writing
Compliance with NORMA application requirements
Complete documentation
Strong formatting
Internal institutional review before submission

The Foundation recommends applicants carefully proofread applications and obtain feedback from mentors or colleagues before submission.

Specialties

Others

Technology Development

Eligibility Requirements

Who: Principal investigators with a minimum 80% affiliation to the administrating Danish research institution are eligible to apply. The applicant must be guaranteed their own salary for the entire project period from other sources. This grant cannot cover salary of the applicant.

Where: The research activities applied for must be anchored at a university or other non-profit research institution in Denmark.

What: The application must describe a clearly defined research project with an appropriate budget.

Applications from PhD students will not be taken into consideration.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Novo Nordisk Fonden

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: Tuborg Havnevej 19 2900 Hellerup

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