Deadline: 19-Mar-2026
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Clinical Research Grant 2026 provides DKK 10 million to DKK 15 million per project to advance the understanding of sex-related differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). This program targets global collaborative research anchored in Nordic institutions to improve the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions with high female prevalence, such as SCAD, MINOCA, and HFpEF.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) has established this clinical research programme to bridge the critical knowledge gap in how cardiovascular diseases affect men and women differently. Historically, clinical norms have been based on male physiology; this grant specifically funds research that places female heart health and sex-specific risk factors at the center of the scientific hypothesis.
Why It Matters: Addressing the Gender Gap in Cardiology
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally, yet women often face longer diagnostic delays and poorer clinical outcomes.
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Differential Pathophysiology: Conditions like Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (Stress-induced cardiomyopathy) affect women disproportionately, with approximately 90% of cases occurring in postmenopausal women.
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Diagnostic Accuracy: Women are more likely to experience MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries), which can be overlooked by traditional diagnostic frameworks designed for obstructive patterns more common in men.
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Social Determinants: Research suggests that biological sex interacts with gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, impacting how women access and experience cardiovascular care.
Key Concepts & Specific Conditions
To align with the grant’s scope, research should focus on:
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SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection): A leading cause of heart attack in young, healthy women and pregnant individuals.
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INOCA/MINOCA: Ischemia or heart attacks occurring without major artery blockages.
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HFpEF (Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction): A type of heart failure where the heart muscle contracts normally but the ventricles are stiff; women have double the risk for incident HFpEF compared to men.
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Hormonal Transitions: The impact of pregnancy (preeclampsia/gestational diabetes) and menopause on long-term cardiovascular risk.
Who is Eligible?
This grant requires a specific “Nordic Anchor” combined with global collaboration.
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Main Applicant: Must be an established researcher anchored at a university, hospital, or non-profit institution in a Nordic country (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland). They must have salary security for the duration of the project.
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Co-Applicants: International collaboration is mandatory. At least one co-applicant must be located outside the main applicant’s country. They can be based anywhere in the world.
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Host Institution: Must be a non-profit research-oriented entity.
How it Works: Grant Structure & Funding
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Total Funding: Up to DKK 75 million is available.
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Per Project: Between DKK 10 million and DKK 15 million.
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Duration: Projects must last 3 to 5 years.
Eligible Expenses:
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Salaries for PhD students, postdocs, and technical staff.
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Research equipment and consumables.
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Travel, publication, and communication costs.
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Note: The grant cannot cover the salaries of the main or co-applicants.
How to Apply: Two-Phase Process
The application is managed through the Foundation’s online system, NORMA.
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Phase 1 (Concept Note): Applicants submit a brief concept note and high-level budget. Internal evaluation narrows the field.
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Phase 2 (Full Proposal): Selected applicants are invited to submit a comprehensive proposal.
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Peer Review: Full applications undergo external peer review by international experts. Feedback is provided regardless of the outcome.
Critical Deadline: For the 2026 cycle, Phase 1 applications typically close in mid-March 2026. (Verify exact dates on the NNF website).
Common Mistakes & Tips
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Mistake: Lack of Sex-Specific Focus. The foundation will reject projects where “sex differences” are merely a secondary variable rather than the central research hypothesis.
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Mistake: Same-Country Collaboration. If all co-applicants are from the same country as the main applicant, the proposal will be disqualified.
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Tip: Justify the Budget. Ensure that the co-applicants receive a “meaningful share” of the budget; this proves a true scientific partnership rather than a symbolic one.
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Tip: Address Social Determinants. Incorporating gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic factors alongside biological sex can strengthen the proposal’s feasibility and impact.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a for-profit company be a main applicant? No. The main applicant must be from a non-profit institution (university, hospital, etc.). Commercial activities are excluded from funding.
2. Is international collaboration required if the project is very large? Yes. International collaboration is a mandatory requirement regardless of project size.
3. Does the grant cover overhead costs? No. Funding is intended for direct project expenses only; overhead or indirect costs are not supported.
4. What Nordic countries are included? Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland.
5. Are projects on male-only cardiovascular issues eligible? No. This specific call is focused on enhancing the understanding of sex-related differences, specifically aimed at improving outcomes for women.
6. Can I apply if I already have a grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation? Yes, but you must explicitly state how this new proposal differs from your existing funded work.
7. Is English required for the application? Yes. All application materials, including supporting documents, must be in English.
Conclusion
The Novo Nordisk Foundation Sex-Related Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Grant is a major initiative to re-engineer cardiology research for a more equitable future. By leveraging Nordic institutional stability and global scientific talent, this grant aims to produce actionable clinical insights for women’s heart health. Successful applicants must demonstrate rigorous methodology, a clear sex-focused hypothesis, and a robust international partnership.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.