RFAs: Conferences, Symposia and Workshops Grant Programme

Deadline: 25-Mar-2026

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Conferences, Symposia and Workshops Grant Programme supports high-quality research events hosted in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland between June 2026 and November 2027.
The programme funds one- to three-day conferences, symposia, and workshops that promote cutting-edge research, innovation, and strong engagement of the scientific community.
Grants range from DKK 50,000 to DKK 500,000, with applications assessed on scientific relevance, novelty, impact, inclusivity, and budget quality.

Programme Overview

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is inviting applications for its Conferences, Symposia and Workshops Grant Programme to strengthen the research ecosystem by supporting high-quality scientific events.

The programme provides opportunities for established researchers, early career researchers, and practitioners to present, exchange, and discuss the latest research findings and innovative developments within fields supported by the Foundation.

Funded events are expected to contribute meaningfully to scientific progress through strong academic relevance, innovative themes, and active engagement of the research community.

Scope and Focus of the Programme

The grant programme supports:

• Conferences, symposia, and workshops with a duration of one to three days

• Events hosted physically in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland

• Topics aligned with the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s supported research areas

• Events scheduled to take place between June 2026 and November 2027

The call is open twice per year, and funded activities must be completed within 18 months of receiving the grant notification.

Funding Available

The programme has a total annual budget of up to DKK 9 million.

Individual grants range from:

• Minimum grant size: DKK 50,000

• Maximum grant size: DKK 500,000

Funding levels should be proportionate to the scale, ambition, and scientific value of the proposed event.

Eligible Costs

Funding may be used to cover costs directly related to the execution of the event, including:

• Venue rental and technical equipment

• Catering for participants

• Travel and accommodation for invited speakers and organisers

• Travel grants for early career researchers

• Poster prizes

• Communication and dissemination materials

Salary support for a conference secretary is allowed up to a maximum of eight percent of the total budget.

Direct administrative expenses are capped at five percent of the total budget.

Specific limits apply to accommodation standards, travel class, and the scale of social events.

Ineligible Costs

The programme does not support:

• Commercial activities

• Overhead or indirect institutional costs

• Double funding of expenses covered by other grants

• Costs not directly linked to the execution of the event

Applicants must ensure that all requested expenses are eligible and clearly justified.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant Requirements

The main applicant must:

• Be a named individual serving as the lead organiser of the event

• Have relevant subject-matter expertise within the event’s scientific field

• Be employed at a university, non-profit research institution, or non-profit professional association

• Be based in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland

The host institution is responsible for administering the grant on behalf of the applicant.

Event Eligibility

To be eligible, the event must:

• Take place physically in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland

• Clearly fall within the purpose of the grant programme

• Align with research areas supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Applicants who hold major funding of DKK 10 million or more from the Novo Nordisk Foundation or other sources must provide a clear justification for requesting additional support under this programme.

Assessment and Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on several qualitative and strategic criteria, including:

• Alignment with the programme’s purpose and research priorities

• Novelty, originality, and strategic relevance of the event theme

• Expected impact on the research environment

• International standing and scientific quality of invited speakers

• Structure and originality of the event format

• Engagement of students and early career researchers

• Diversity among speakers and participants

• Accessibility through open and inclusive registration practices

• Reasonable and transparent registration fees

• Overall balance, realism, and appropriateness of the proposed budget

The applicant’s curriculum vitae, track record, and experience in organising scientific events are also taken into account, along with the diversity of institutions and research themes represented.

Application Process

Submission Platform and Language

All applications must be submitted in English through the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s NORMA application system.

Applications that do not follow the required structure or language requirements will not be considered.

Required Application Components

The application must include:

• A detailed project description outlining objectives, relevance, and expected impact

• A draft programme clearly indicating which invited speakers have confirmed participation

• A lay project description written for non-expert audiences

• Relevant literature references where applicable

• Illustrations or figures, if relevant to the proposal

• A single consolidated PDF containing one-page curricula vitae of invited speakers, including a justification for their selection

All supporting documents must be complete, accurate, and clearly presented.

Why Apply for This Grant?

This programme offers valuable support for researchers and practitioners who aim to:

• Create high-impact scientific exchange platforms

• Foster international collaboration and knowledge sharing

• Support early career researchers through active participation and travel grants

• Advance emerging and interdisciplinary research areas

• Strengthen the visibility and quality of research hosted in the Nordic region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of events are supported under this programme?

The programme supports conferences, symposia, and workshops lasting one to three days.

2. Where must the events be held?

Events must take place physically in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland.

3. What is the funding range for individual grants?

Grants range from DKK 50,000 to DKK 500,000.

4. Can early career researchers benefit from this funding?

Yes. The programme encourages the involvement of early career researchers and allows travel grants and poster prizes to support their participation.

5. Are administrative and salary costs allowed?

Yes. Salary support for a conference secretary is allowed up to eight percent of the total budget, and direct administrative expenses are capped at five percent.

6. Are overhead or indirect costs eligible?

No. Overhead, indirect costs, and commercial activities are not supported.

7. How often can applications be submitted?

The call is open twice a year, subject to the Foundation’s application cycles.

8. What system must be used to submit the application?

All applications must be submitted through the NORMA system in English.

Conclusion

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Conferences, Symposia and Workshops Grant Programme provides targeted funding to support high-quality scientific events that strengthen research communities and promote innovation.

By focusing on academic excellence, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement, the programme plays a key role in advancing research dialogue and collaboration across disciplines supported by the Foundation.

For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.