Nature and Technology Teacher Award (Denmark)

Deadline: 16-Nov-2026

The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Nature and Technology Teacher Award is an annual prize recognizing teachers who make exceptional contributions to science and technology education in primary and middle schools within the Danish Realm. The award highlights teachers who inspire children to engage with natural science and technology, develop innovative teaching methods, and contribute to a strong science-focused environment at their schools. Each award has a total value of DKK 350,000, including a DKK 50,000 personal honorary award and DKK 300,000 for the recipient’s school. Nominations open on 14 September 2026 and close on 16 November 2026 at 12:00 PM Copenhagen time. The award is established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation to recognize dedicated and skilled teachers working in science and technology education. The prize was previously divided between East and West regions but is now presented as an annual award within the Danish Realm. The award focuses on special efforts in: Nature and technology education. Science teaching. Technology education. Student engagement and motivation. Development of inspiring teaching methods. Science outreach and public engagement. Cross-disciplinary collaboration. Development of a strong science environment within schools. The award is open to teachers working in primary schools within the Danish Realm, including: Denmark. Greenland. The Faroe Islands. Candidates must teach nature and technology subjects and must have demonstrated a special teaching effort in these areas during primary and middle school education.

The award can recognize:

An individual teacher. More than one teacher. A team of up to three people from the same school. All nominated teachers must consent to the nomination. The main focus is on teachers who demonstrate a special effort in science and technology education.

Particular emphasis is placed on teachers who

Create interest in natural science and technology among children. Motivate students to explore science and technology. Develop inspiring science teaching methods. Share effective teaching approaches with other educators.

Participate in science outreach activities

Collaborate across different subjects or disciplines. Help create a stimulating science environment at their school. Contribute to the professional development of colleagues. Make science and technology engaging and accessible to students. Teachers have an important role in shaping children’s attitudes toward science and technology. Effective science education can encourage students to: Explore how the natural world works. Develop curiosity and critical thinking. Understand scientific concepts. Engage with technology. Develop problem-solving skills. Consider future education and careers involving science and technology. The award also recognizes that strong science education can benefit the wider school community when teachers share methods, collaborate with colleagues, and help develop a stimulating science environment. Each award has a total value of DKK 350,000.

The award consists of:

DKK 50,000: Personal honorary award for the individual recipient.

DKK 300,000: Funding allocated to the recipient’s school.

When an award is given to a team, each recipient receives DKK 25,000 as their personal award. The school’s portion must be used to support the development of science education.

Possible uses include:

Purchasing experimental equipment. Upgrading science-related facilities. Funding educational excursions. Supporting further education. Other activities that contribute to the development of science education. Participation and accommodation at the Big Bang conference are also included as part of the award. The DKK 300,000 school component is intended to create a lasting benefit for science education at the recipient’s school.

Potential uses include:

Experimental and laboratory equipment. Science teaching resources. Improvements to relevant facilities. Educational trips and excursions. Professional development and further education. Other initiatives that strengthen science and technology teaching. The institutional component therefore extends the benefit of the award beyond the individual teacher. Nominations are encouraged from people who know and have experienced the teacher’s work.

Potential nominators include:

Children. Parents. Colleagues. However, the formal nomination must be submitted through the teacher’s: School leader, or School board. The nominated teacher or teachers must agree to being nominated. The nomination process should clearly demonstrate the teacher’s special contribution to nature and technology education.

A practical process is:

Identify an eligible teacher or team from a primary school within the Danish Realm. Confirm the teaching area. The candidate should teach nature and technology subjects and meet the award’s eligibility requirements. Document the teacher’s special effort. Provide concrete examples of outstanding teaching, student engagement, projects, or educational initiatives. Explain the impact on students. Describe how the teacher creates interest and motivation for natural science and technology. Highlight innovative teaching methods. Include examples of science teaching approaches that have been developed, implemented, or shared. Describe wider contributions. Mention science outreach, cross-disciplinary collaboration, or activities benefiting colleagues. Obtain the candidate’s consent. Nominated teachers must agree to the nomination. Submit through the appropriate school authority. The formal nomination must be made through the school leader or school board. Submit before the deadline. Nominations close on 16 November 2026 at 12:00 PM Copenhagen time. Yes. A team of up to three teachers from the same school can be nominated. If the award is granted to a team, each recipient receives a DKK 25,000 personal honorary award. The school’s institutional portion remains DKK 300,000 for the development of science educatio