Novo Nordisk Foundation Laureate Research Grant Programme (Denmark)

Deadline: 27-Oct-2026

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Laureate Research Grants support outstanding, established biomedical researchers from around the world to relocate to or remain in Denmark and expand independent research programmes. Grants of up to DKK 60 million can support research for up to seven years, with priority given to bioscience and basic biomedicine, clinical and translational medicine, and endocrinology and metabolism. What Are the Novo Nordisk Foundation Laureate Research Grants? The Novo Nordisk Foundation Laureate Research Grants are major research funding opportunities for internationally recognized biomedical researchers who can contribute to the development of Denmark’s biomedical research environment.

The programme has two main purposes:

Attracting leading international biomedical researchers to Denmark. Retaining outstanding biomedical research talent already working in Denmark. The funding enables successful researchers to expand their independent research programmes while contributing to Denmark’s scientific capacity, collaboration, and innovation. Why the Laureate Research Grants Matter The programme is designed to strengthen the Danish biomedical research ecosystem by supporting researchers with established scientific careers and independent research programmes. Contribute expertise to the Danish research environment. The programme therefore combines individual research excellence with broader institutional and national research development. Priority Research Areas The Laureate Research Grants focus on major areas of biomedical science. Bioscience and Basic Biomedicine This area covers fundamental biological and biomedical research that can improve understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms. Clinical and Translational Medicine Research may focus on translating scientific discoveries into improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or patient care. Endocrinology and Metabolism This area includes research related to hormones, metabolism, metabolic diseases, and associated biological mechanisms. Applicants should demonstrate a strong connection between their proposed research programme and the relevant biomedical priorities. Grant Amount and Duration Each successful researcher can receive up to DKK 60 million. The grant can support research for a period of up to seven years. The substantial size and duration of the award are intended to provide researchers with the resources and stability needed to develop ambitious independent research programmes in Denmark. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for outstanding established biomedical researchers with a strong record of independent research. Have directed that independent research programme for at least seven years. Be prepared to work at a Danish host institution. Establish their principal research group in Denmark within two years of the grant start. Commit to working on-site at the Danish host institution for at least 75% of a full-time position. Researchers of any nationality can apply, subject to the programme’s other eligibility requirements. Requirements for Clinicians Clinicians can participate, but the programme requires a substantial commitment to research. Successful clinician applicants must reduce their clinical commitments to a maximum of 25%. This means at least 75% of their full-time position must be dedicated to the research programme at the Danish host institution. Danish Host Institution Requirement A key feature of the grant is the establishment of the research programme in Denmark. The principal research group must be fully established at a Danish host institution within two years after the grant begins. Applicants should therefore have a credible plan for: Selecting a Danish host institution. Establishing their research group. Recruiting or transferring research personnel. Developing research infrastructure. Integrating into the Danish biomedical research community. Building collaborations within Denmark and internationally. International Recruitment and Talent Retention The grant supports two complementary objectives.

International recruitment: Established researchers based outside Denmark can use the opportunity to relocate their research programme to a Danish institution.

Talent retention: Researchers already working in Denmark can receive support to remain in the country and expand their independent research programmes.

This makes the programme relevant to both international biomedical scientists considering a move to Denmark and established researchers already contributing to Danish research. How the Laureate Research Grant Works Applicants should approach the opportunity as a long-term research development programme rather than a short-term project grant.

Step 1: Confirm Your Research Profile

Check that you meet the requirement of having directed an independent research programme for at least seven years. Your scientific record should demonstrate established expertise and research leadership.

Step 2: Confirm Research Alignment

Determine whether your research fits one or more of the programme’s priority areas: Bioscience and Basic Biomedicine. Clinical and Translational Medicine. Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Step 3: Identify a Danish Host Institution

Develop a clear plan for conducting the research at a Danish host institution. The host environment should provide the facilities, scientific expertise, infrastructure, and collaborative opportunities required for the proposed research programme.

Step 4: Develop a Long-Term Research Programme

Describe how the grant will allow you to expand your independent research programme over up to seven years. The proposal should demonstrate scientific ambition, feasibility, and potential contribution to biomedical research.

Step 5: Plan the Danish Research Group

Explain how the principal research group will be established in Denmark within two years of the grant start. Include appropriate plans for research personnel, infrastructur