Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme 2026 (Denmark)

Deadline: 03-Sep-2026

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme supports high-risk, high-gain research that requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and countries. Funding up to DKK 6.8 million over three years is available for interdisciplinary projects in Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, and Natural and Technical Sciences, with a focus on health and sustainability.

Programme Overview

The Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme (EISP) is designed to:

• Support novel, early-stage ideas that require interdisciplinary approaches

• Break down collaboration barriers between scientific disciplines

• Strengthen Danish research through international collaboration

• Train and educate the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers

• Stimulate emerging research with potential for high scientific impact

The programme targets projects that require interdisciplinary solutions to address complex scientific questions, emphasizing research that is high-risk/high-gain and capable of producing significant breakthroughs.

Strategic Focus Areas

Eligible projects should align with the Foundation’s strategic priorities:

• Biomedical Sciences – innovative health-related research

• Biotechnology – applied biological solutions

• Natural and Technical Sciences – research with health or sustainability applications

Note: Social Sciences and Humanities may complement proposals but cannot be the primary research focus. Projects with robust preliminary data are encouraged to consider the full Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme instead.

Funding Details

• Maximum funding: DKK 6.8 million per project

• Project duration: Up to 3 years

• Annual programme budget: DKK 68 million

• Eligible costs:

  • Salaries for research and technical staff, postdocs, PhD students (including tuition)

  • Non-tenured time-limited researchers

  • Direct project costs (materials, consumables, services)

  • Essential equipment

  • Workshops, collaboration meetings, and conferences (travel and registration)

  • Publication fees

Exclusions:

• Salaries for main applicants or co-applicants

• Industrial partners cannot receive direct funding

Eligibility Criteria

• Research groups: 2–4 interdisciplinary teams per project

• Main applicant: Minimum 50% association with a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research organization

• Co-applicants: Can be based in Denmark or internationally

• Collaboration: Non-academic partners allowed; projects must remain fundamental research (TRL 1–2)

• Existing NNF grants: Eligible if no overlap with current projects

• Applicant limits: Each researcher may be main applicant on one active programme grant and co-applicant on up to two proposals per year

• Funding rules: Avoid duplication and report any additional support

How to Apply

1. Confirm eligibility: Ensure main applicant and co-applicants meet institutional and interdisciplinary requirements

2. Define project scope: High-risk/high-gain project addressing health or sustainability challenges

3. Form research consortium: Include 2–4 interdisciplinary groups, potentially with non-academic collaborators

4. Prepare budget: Include eligible costs only; exclude main applicant salaries

5. Submit proposal: Follow NNF submission guidelines

6. Review and award: Proposals are evaluated based on scientific novelty, interdisciplinary approach, and potential impact

Tips for a Strong Application

• Highlight novelty and high-risk/high-gain potential

• Clearly define interdisciplinary integration across teams

• Demonstrate feasibility within 3 years

• Include plans for collaboration, workshops, and knowledge exchange

• Ensure full compliance with NNF funding rules and reporting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including salaries for main applicants or co-applicants

• Proposing projects outside TRL 1–2 fundamental research

• Overlapping with existing NNF grants

• Exceeding the maximum number of active proposals per applicant

• Failing to provide an interdisciplinary structure or plan for collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can be the main applicant?

• Researchers affiliated at least 50% with a Danish university, hospital, or non-profit research organization.

2. Can industrial partners receive funding?

• No. Industrial partners may participate but cannot receive direct funding.

3. How many research groups are required?

• 2–4 interdisciplinary groups must be included per project.

4. What is the maximum project funding and duration?

• Up to DKK 6.8 million for a maximum of 3 years.

5. Can researchers with existing NNF grants apply?

• Yes, if there is no overlap with current research projects.

6. What costs are eligible?

• Salaries for research/technical staff, PhD/postdoc support, consumables, equipment, workshops, travel for conferences, and publication fees.

7. Are preliminary data required?

• No, this programme targets early-stage, exploratory projects; proposals with robust preliminary data may consider the full Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme instead.

Conclusion

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme supports high-risk, high-gain interdisciplinary research that bridges institutions and countries. By funding early-stage innovative projects in Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, and Natural and Technical Sciences, the programme fosters novel discoveries, collaboration, and international research capacity, strengthening Denmark’s position in global science while training the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers.

For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.