Global Expansion of Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Challenge Programme
Novo Nordisk Foundation's Challenge Programme Goes Global
The Novo Nordisk Foundation has made a significant leap forward by expanding its Challenge Programme beyond its borders for the first time. This renowned program, which funds ambitious research, now invites researchers from various regions beyond Denmark. As it opens doors to international collaborators, it emphasizes the foundation's commitment to addressing major health and environmental challenges worldwide.
Increased Grants for Researchers
In a transformative move, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has significantly increased the grants available through its Challenge Programme by 25%. Now, grant recipients can receive funding up to DKK 75 million (approximately €10 million) for their initiatives over the next six years. With an overall budget totaling DKK 600 million (about €80 million), the foundation is poised to support a wide range of projects that address pressing global issues.
CEO's Commitment
Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, stated, "We are dedicated to solving significant global health and environmental challenges. By expanding the Challenge Programme outside Denmark, we deepen our commitment to our mission globally." His words reflect the organization's heartening vision to impact health and sustainability positively.
Themes Addressed in 2026
This year's Challenge Programme will focus on four major themes, providing a framework for researchers to align their projects. These themes represent critical areas of study that impact both local and global communities:
- Harnessing biology for climate-resilient and healthy soils
- Unravelling the pathways of human invasive fungal diseases
- Modelling human cardiometabolic disease
- Biological systems under non-equilibrium conditions
Incorporating annual themes allows for a dynamic approach to research, enabling new knowledge to emerge from diverse scientific collaborations.
Call for Applications
The Challenge Programme invites applications in an open competition format, encouraging vibrant and innovative research approaches. Interested parties must submit their expressions of interest by October 8, 2025, with the final awards announcement set for May 2026. This timeline allows researchers ample opportunity to prepare compelling proposals that reflect the themes set forth for this cycle.
Track Record of Success
Since its inception in 2014, the Novo Nordisk Foundation's Challenge Programme has become a prominent platform for research funding. The foundation has invested nearly DKK 2.8 billion (€375 million) into approximately 50 projects, fostering groundbreaking studies across various fields. These funded projects have significantly contributed to advancing our understanding of many critical challenges.
Impact on Society
The foundation aims to improve people's health and promote sustainability on a global scale. Recent years have seen a noticeable increase in grants, with DKK 10.1 billion (€1.35 billion) awarded in 2024 alone—marking the foundation's 100th anniversary. This monumental funding has enabled nearly 1,800 new projects aimed at creating a healthier and more sustainable world.
About the Novo Nordisk Foundation
Founded in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation operates as an enterprise foundation committed to philanthropic goals. Its mission centers around advancing research in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases, alongside enhancing knowledge related to the green transformation of society. The foundation strives for continuous improvement in global health and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main aim of the Challenge Programme?
The Challenge Programme supports ambitious research projects that address major global health and environmental challenges.
What are the new themes introduced for 2026?
The key themes for 2026 include climate-resilient soils, fungal disease pathways, cardiometabolic disease modeling, and biological systems in non-equilibrium conditions.
How much funding is available for each project?
Each project can receive up to DKK 75 million (around €10 million) for a six-year period.
When is the application deadline?
Expressions of interest must be submitted by October 8, 2025.
How has the foundation's grant provision changed over the years?
In recent years, the foundation has significantly increased grant funding, with nearly DKK 10.1 billion awarded in 2024 for various health and sustainability projects.
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