Deadline: 24-Nov-2025
Applications are now open for the Novo Nordisk Foundation Science Teacher Award to recognize and highlight special efforts within the natural sciences in primary school education.
The focus areas include nature/technology, physics/chemistry, biology, geography, and mathematics, with emphasis on creating interest and motivation for science and technology among children and young people, developing, using and sharing inspiring science teaching methods, actively participating in extracurricular science activities and collaborations across subjects or educational levels, and contributing to promoting a stimulating scientific environment that qualifies colleagues.
Each annual award consists of DKK 350,000, divided into a personal honorary award of DKK 50,000 and DKK 300,000 for the school. If a team is awarded, each teacher receives DKK 25,000, while the school’s share remains designated for the development of science education. This funding can support initiatives such as purchasing experimental equipment, upgrading facilities, organizing excursions, or offering further training. Participation and accommodation at the Big Bang Conference 2026 are also included.
The award is intended for primary school teachers in the Kingdom of Denmark who teach within the science subject block. Nominations can be suggested by children, young people, parents, and colleagues but must be formally submitted by the teacher’s school principal or school board. Teachers can be nominated individually or in teams of up to three from the same school. Consent from the nominated teacher is required, and recipients cannot be awarded again within four years at the same school. Candidates who were previously nominated but did not win are welcome to apply again.
Candidates are evaluated on their special teaching efforts in one or more of the eligible subjects. While not all criteria need to be met, emphasis is placed on creating student interest in science, sharing innovative teaching approaches, and contributing to a supportive scientific environment for both students and colleagues.
The deadline for submitting applications is November 24, 2025, at 12:00 noon. Selected awardees will be contacted by the Novo Nordisk Foundation Teaching Awards Committee in February 2026, and the awards will be presented at the Big Bang Conference later that year.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.
