Deadline: 20-May-2026
The Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme funds high-risk, high-gain research that spans multiple scientific disciplines, organisations, and borders. Grants of up to DKK 19.4 million over four years support innovative projects in biomedical, biotechnology, and natural/technical sciences with potential applications in health or sustainability.
Overview of the Programme
The Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme fosters creative research collaborations across disciplines, institutions, and countries. It supports projects that:
-
Combine perspectives and methods from multiple scientific fields
-
Address complex challenges that single-discipline approaches cannot solve
-
Promote long-term, high-impact collaborations grounded in strong preliminary data
The programme aims to strengthen Danish research, stimulate emerging interdisciplinary fields, and train the next generation of researchers with cross-disciplinary expertise.
Key Objectives
The programme focuses on:
-
Enabling novel interdisciplinary research
-
Supporting collaborations based on robust preliminary data
-
Breaking down barriers to cross-disciplinary work
-
Internationalising Danish research
-
Educating and training researchers with interdisciplinary skills
Eligible Research Areas
Funding is directed toward projects aligned with these strategic areas:
Biomedical Sciences
Projects must address fundamental research questions with clear relevance to human health.
Biotechnology
Innovative approaches that leverage biological systems or technologies to create novel applications in health or sustainability.
Natural and Technical Sciences
Research must explicitly state potential applications in health or sustainability.
Notes on Scope:
-
Social sciences and humanities may complement proposals but cannot be primary research approaches.
-
AI-assisted clinical decision support projects should apply to the Data Science Collaborative Research Programme.
-
Projects primarily on livestock, gaming, or sustainable architecture are out of scope.
What the Programme Supports
The programme funds high-risk/high-gain research with the potential to:
-
Generate disruptive science or create entirely new research areas
-
Produce broad impact across disciplines and society
-
Build upon robust preliminary data over a four-year period
For concepts lacking preliminary data, the Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme is recommended.
Funding Details
-
Total annual budget: DKK 97 million
-
Grant size: Up to DKK 19.4 million over 4 years
-
Eligible collaborations: 2–4 research groups
-
Project duration: 4 years
Applicant Requirements
-
Main applicant: Must hold tenure or tenure-track position and be associated at ≥50% with a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation
-
Co-applicants: Can be based in Denmark or abroad and must contribute substantially
-
Collaboration with non-academic researchers is allowed
-
Industrial partners cannot receive direct funding
-
Research must remain fundamental (TRL 1-2)
-
Only one active grant per main applicant
-
No duplication of funding for the same project expenses
Applicants must provide a comprehensive account of other funding sources or proposals submitted within the relevant timeframe. Existing NNF grant holders may apply if there is no overlap in focus or grant period.
How to Apply
-
Develop your interdisciplinary concept: Combine methods, theories, and perspectives across fields to address a novel research problem.
-
Compile preliminary data: Ensure your proposal is grounded in strong data that justifies pursuing a high-risk/high-gain approach.
-
Identify collaborators: Form a team of 2–4 research groups, including co-applicants in Denmark or internationally.
-
Check eligibility: Verify tenure, association with Danish institutions, and compliance with funding rules.
-
Submit application: Include project description, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and references to other funding.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
-
Clearly state interdisciplinary integration and the novelty of your approach
-
Highlight potential societal impact in health or sustainability
-
Demonstrate preliminary evidence supporting feasibility
-
Ensure the project is high-risk but high-gain
-
Address funding overlaps and co-funding sources transparently
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Lacking preliminary data for high-risk concepts
-
Including industrial partners as direct beneficiaries
-
Proposing out-of-scope topics like livestock, gaming, or sustainable architecture
-
Failing to demonstrate interdisciplinary integration
-
Not accounting for overlapping funding or multiple grants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can be the main applicant?
Main applicants must hold a tenure or tenure-track position and be associated at ≥50% with a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation.
2. How many co-applicants are allowed?
Projects can include 2–4 research groups, with co-applicants in Denmark or abroad contributing significantly.
3. Are industrial partners eligible for funding?
No. Industrial partners may collaborate but cannot receive direct funding.
4. What is the required duration for projects?
Projects are funded for four years.
5. Can social sciences form the primary approach?
No. Social sciences and humanities may complement a proposal but cannot be the main research approach.
6. What is the maximum funding per project?
Up to DKK 19.4 million over four years.
7. Is preliminary data mandatory?
Yes. High-risk/high-gain proposals must be grounded in robust preliminary data. If not available, apply to the Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme.
Conclusion
The Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme enables cutting-edge, high-risk, high-gain research that transcends disciplines and borders. By funding robust, interdisciplinary projects with strong preliminary data, the programme fosters disruptive science, strengthens Danish research, and trains the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.