Deadline: 24-Nov-2025
Entries are now open for the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Science and Technology Teacher Award to recognize and highlight special efforts within science education in elementary and middle school.
This initiative reflects a strong commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity among young learners while strengthening the overall quality of science teaching in Denmark. The primary requirement is that candidates must have demonstrated exceptional teaching efforts in science/technology during the elementary and middle school years. In addition, consideration is given to teachers who inspire children’s interest and motivation in science and technology, develop, apply, and share innovative teaching methods, actively engage in extracurricular science initiatives or cross-disciplinary collaborations, and contribute to creating a stimulating scientific environment that supports colleagues. Meeting all these criteria is not mandatory for a teacher to be considered for nomination.
The Science and Technology Teacher Prize is awarded once a year and highlights special contributions to science education at the primary school level. The recognition is not only personal but also institutional, with each prize consisting of a total of DKK 350,000. This includes a personal honorary prize of DKK 50,000 and DKK 300,000 for the school, which must be used for the development of science education through initiatives such as purchasing experimental equipment, upgrading facilities, organizing excursions, or offering further training.
If awarded to a team of teachers, each individual will receive DKK 25,000 as part of the personal prize. Additionally, participation and accommodation at the Big Bang Conference 2026 for the prize winner are included, ensuring that recipients benefit from both recognition and opportunities for professional growth.
The award is aimed at teachers in primary schools in the Kingdom of Denmark. Teachers who teach science/technology may be considered. Children, parents and colleagues can suggest candidates, but the nomination must be made via the teacher’s school principal or school board. One or more teachers and teams of up to three people from the same school can be nominated. The nominated teacher must agree to be nominated. The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Science and Technology Teacher Award cannot be received by teachers from the same school for the following four years after receiving the award. Previously nominated candidates who have not received the award are welcome to re-nominate.
The deadline for submitting applications is November 24, 2025 at 12:00 noon. The award recipients are selected by the Novo Nordisk Foundation Teaching Awards Committee and will be contacted directly during February 2026. The awards will be presented at this year’s Big Bang Conference.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.