Challenge Programme 2026 - Funding for Research in Biological Systems and Health | Deadline: 8 Oct. 2025
Applications are now open for the Challenge Programme 2026, promoted by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which aims to support collaborative research projects in strategic areas.
The main objective of the Challenge Programme is to strengthen Danish and European research ecosystems in key strategic areas defined by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, promoting innovative solutions through collaboration between leading scientific experts.
The 2026 edition includes four priority thematic areas:
- Theme 1: Harnessing Biology for climate-resilient and healthy soils
- Theme 2: Unravelling the pathways of human invasive fungal diseases
- Theme 3: Modelling human cardiometabolic disease
- Theme 4: Biological systems under non-equilibrium conditions
Projects must be submitted by consortia of 2 to 4 research groups, led by a Principal Investigator (main applicant) and up to 3 co-investigators (co-applicants).
With a total budget of around €20 million, the programme will fund projects with a maximum duration of six years, with each consortium eligible to receive between €5.4 million and €10 million.
Eligibility criteria:
- The Principal Investigator (main applicant) must be an independent researcher holding a tenured or tenure-track position, leading their research group at a university, hospital, or non-profit research institution located in Europe (including the EU, Schengen Area, and the UK). This entity will also be the host organisation and responsible for administration of the grant.
- The main applicant must be employed at the host institution with at least a 75% commitment and must have their salary guaranteed for the entire project period.
- At least one member of the consortium (either the Principal Investigator or a co-investigator) must be at least 75% employed and haver their research group at a Danish institution (university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation).
- Co-applicants institutions may be located anywhere in the world.
The application process takes place in two stages. Stage 1 consists of an expression of interest with the submission of an initial proposal (up to 10,000 characters) and a preliminary budget. After the initial evaluation, shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a detailed project proposal in Stage 2 (up to 30,000 characters), along with a detailed budget.
The deadline for submitting the Expressions of Interest is 8 October 2025.
For more information, as well to consult the theme-specific application guidelines, you can consult the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s website.