Purpose
The objective of this call is to broadly promote Danish clinical or translational research of high international level. The research should involve patients/humans and/or clinical practice, diagnostic or therapeutic methods, but can also involve established animal models.
Funding
A total of up to DKK 76 million is available for projects lasting from 1-3 years.
Projects of up to DKK 4,400,000 million can be applied for with a yearly maximum budget of DKK 1,480,000 million.
Strategic focused theme
DKK 11 million are earmarked for projects within the strategic focused theme ‘Interactions between infectious diseases and cardiometabolic diseases’.
In this application round there will be special emphasis on research projects focused on or related to novel clinical and translational research aimed at improving our understanding of the dual-burden and interactions between IDs and CMDs.
Infectious diseases (ID) and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are two major global health challenges that affect millions of people every year. While these are distinct types of disease, there is growing evidence that they interact in complex ways, and that these interactions influence the risk, severity, and prognosis of both types of disease.
If you wish your application to be considered for this initiative, you should clearly indicate this in your application by ticking the box ‘IDs and CMDs’ found under the tab Proposal.
Application process
The application must be completed and submitted using the foundation’s electronic application system, using the link “Send application”. Link is found at the top of the page and will be visible when the call opens.
It is very important, that the applicant carefully reads the application guidelines before initiating the application process. This document contains the complete call as well as detailed instructions for the application process.
Grants target specific themes such as health, life sciences, biotechnology, plant science, education, and societal impact .
Always select the most relevant call (e.g., Challenge Programme, Science Communication, Plant Science, PREPARE Education) to demonstrate immediate strategic fit
Each call has tightly defined guidelines, eligibility, and submission steps—read them thoroughly and follow all instructions in NORMA
Applications that miss required fields, documents, or hardship the format risk administrative rejection.
Expert committees evaluate proposals on:
Quality & novelty of the research or project
Potential impact (scientific, educational, societal)
Budget soundness
Applicant’s and institution’s qualifications
Impact-focused calls (e.g., science communication) require metrics on reach and engagement
The Foundation funds ~20% of applications across calls
Larger, multidisciplinary grants (Challenge Programme) offer up to DKK 75M (~€10M) but involve high competition and require strong justification
Coordinate early with your host institution to secure formal support (letters, resource commitments)
Include co-applicant letters and evidence of collaboration for calls that involve group or co-led projects.
Provide detailed financial plans that match your project design and duration.
For grants like PREPARE, budgets must align with institutional quotas and appropriate cost categories
Analysis shows that promotional language and clear depiction of innovation correlate with funding success at NNF .
Especially for high-risk/high-impact calls, clearly articulate novelty, transformative potential, and user engagement.
🛠️ 8. Choose the Right Grant for Your Career & Goals
From small-scale communication or education projects (e.g., €100K–4.3 M DKK) to massive Challenge Programme grants (up to DKK 75 M), match your proposal to your experience and ambitions
Predictor | What to Do |
---|---|
Call fit | Pick the exact grant aligned with your thematic focus |
Instruction compliance | Follow NORMA templates and guidelines thoroughly |
Scientific or impact excellence | Emphasize quality, novelty, reach, and evaluation |
Institution support | Obtain host institution endorsements early |
Appropriate budget | Align costs to project scope, quotas, and duration |
Innovation narrative | Use persuasive language to convey novelty and importance |
Persistence in excellence | Recognize ~20% success rate—aim for top-tier proposals |
🎯 Final Takeaway
To be successful with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, you need a strategically aligned, innovation-driven, and expertly prepared proposal—strongly backed by your institution and delivered through precise compliance and compelling presentation. If you're aiming high, consider how to differentiate your project in novelty and impact, and build institutional backing early.
The research activities applied for must be anchored at a university, hospital or other non-profit research institution in Denmark.
Only principal investigators are eligible to apply.
Applications from Master students, Ph.D. students and postdocs will not be taken into consideration.
Eligible Countries:
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Novo Nordisk Fonden
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: Tuborg Havnevej 19 2900 Hellerup Denmark
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Aug 28, 2025
Aug 28, 2025
$695,972
Affiliation: Novo Nordisk Fonden
Address: Tuborg Havnevej 19 2900 Hellerup Denmark
Website URL: https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/projektstoette-i-klinisk-og-translationel-laegevidenskab/
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