Applications open for Conferences, Symposia and Workshops Program

Deadline: 29-Oct-2026

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Conferences, Symposia and Workshops Program provides grants to support the organization of scientific conferences, symposia, and workshops in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. Grants range from DKK 50,000 to DKK 500,000 per event, helping researchers and practitioners share new research, discuss scientific developments, and strengthen research networks. What Is the Conferences, Symposia and Workshops Program? The program supports scientific events that provide opportunities for researchers, early career scientists, students, and practitioners to exchange knowledge and discuss the latest developments within their fields. The initiative aims to strengthen the research environment by supporting events that: - Present new research and innovation. - Encourage scientific discussion and knowledge exchange. - Connect established and early career researchers. - Provide opportunities for students to participate. - Strengthen national and international research networks. - Promote diversity among presenters and participants. - Create open and inclusive opportunities for registration and participation. How Much Funding Is Available? The Novo Nordisk Foundation offers grants of:

- Minimum: DKK 50,000 per event

- Maximum: DKK 500,000 per event

- Total annual budget: Up to DKK 9 million for the call

Funding is intended to support eligible costs associated with organizing and delivering the approved conference, symposium, or workshop. What Events Can Be Supported? Supported events must meet specific duration, location, and timing requirements.

Eligible events must:

- Be a conference, symposium, or workshop. - Last between 1 and 3 days. - Take place in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland. - Be held between January 2027 and June 2028. - Contribute to the exchange of relevant research or innovation. - Provide meaningful opportunities for researchers and practitioners to engage with the event’s scientific theme. Who Can Apply? The lead organizer must be employed by an eligible organization based in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland. Eligible applicants include individuals employed at: - Universities - Non-profit research institutions - Non-profit professional associations The applicant must serve as the lead organizer of the proposed event. What Makes an Event Competitive? The selection process considers several factors when assessing applications.

Particular attention is given to

- Novelty of the event theme - Strategic relevance of the scientific topic - Expected impact on the research community - International standing of featured presenters - Opportunities for early career researchers - Student engagement - Diversity among presenters and participants - Accessibility and inclusiveness of registration Applicants should therefore demonstrate not only that the event is scientifically strong, but also that it will provide meaningful value to the wider research community. Why Is the Event Theme Important? The scientific theme is an important part of the assessment.

A strong theme should be:

- Relevant to current research developments. - Clearly defined. - Novel or timely. - Strategically important to the field. - Capable of generating meaningful scientific discussion. Applicants should explain why the topic requires a dedicated conference, symposium, or workshop and what new knowledge or collaboration the event is expected to generate. Supporting Early Career Researchers and Students The program encourages organizers to create opportunities for students and early career researchers. Events can strengthen the next generation of researchers by providing opportunities to: - Present research. - Engage with established scientists. - Build professional networks. - Exchange ideas across institutions. - Learn about emerging research areas. - Develop potential future collaborations. Applications should explain how students and early career researchers will participate meaningfully rather than simply being listed as potential attendees. Diversity and Inclusion The program encourages diversity among event presenters and participants. Organizers are expected to consider diversity when developing: - Speaker selections - Participant engagement - Scientific committees - Registration opportunities - Event accessibility Open and inclusive registration practices can help broaden participation and ensure that the event reaches researchers from different backgrounds and career stages. International Participation The international standing of featured presenters is one of the factors considered during assessment. Applicants should therefore demonstrate the quality and relevance of invited speakers and explain how their participation will strengthen the event’s scientific value.

International participation can help:

- Bring new perspectives to the research community. - Increase knowledge exchange. - Strengthen international networks. - Raise the profile of the event. - Create opportunities for future collaboration. Major Existing Funding and Additional Support Applicants who already have major funding of DKK 10 million or more must provide a clear justification for why additional support from this program is needed.

The application should explain:

- What existing funding supports. - Why it cannot fully cover the proposed event. - What additional value the Foundation’s grant would provide. - How the requested funding will contribute to the event’s objectives. This helps demonstrate that the requested grant is necessary and appropriately targeted. Event Completion Requirement Approved events must be completed within 18 months of grant notification. Applicants should therefore develop a realistic event timeline covering: - Planning - Speaker invitations - Registration - Event delivery - Participation arrangements - Scientific programming - Final completion The proposed schedule should remain consistent with the program’s eligible event period. How to Prepare a St