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RFPs: Female Heart – Clinical Mechanistic Grant Programme

Deadline: 19-Mar-2026

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Female Heart – Clinical Mechanistic Grant 2026 provides DKK 10 million to DKK 15 million for European collaborative research into the biological drivers of sex-related differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). This programme funds mechanistic and translational studies anchored in Nordic institutions to improve female-specific heart health outcomes. Applications follow a two-phase process requiring mandatory international partnerships within the EEA, UK, or Switzerland.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) has launched this initiative to address the critical research gap in female cardiovascular health. Historically, heart disease research has been male-centric; this grant specifically targets the mechanistic drivers—the biological and physiological “how and why”—behind sex-specific variations in heart disease.

Why It Matters: Precision Medicine for Women

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) often presents, progresses, and responds to treatment differently in women than in men. Understanding these differences is essential for:

  • Targeted Diagnostics: Identifying sex-specific biomarkers for early detection.

  • Effective Therapeutics: Developing treatments that account for hormonal, genetic, and physiological differences.

  • Reducing Mortality: Closing the health outcome gap where women frequently experience higher mortality rates following certain cardiac events.

Key Concepts and Definitions

  • Mechanistic Research: Studies designed to understand the underlying biological processes or “mechanisms” that cause a disease or response.

  • Translational Research: Research that “translates” basic laboratory findings into clinical applications or new treatments for patients.

  • Nordic Anchor: The requirement that the Lead (Main) Applicant must be based at a research institution in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland.

  • Clinical Mechanistic: Specifically refers to studies involving human subjects or human-derived samples to understand disease pathways.

Who is Eligible?

This grant prioritizes established researchers and cross-border European collaboration.

Lead (Main) Applicant Requirements:

  • Must be an established researcher (e.g., Associate Professor, Professor, or Senior Scientist).

  • Must be anchored at a university, hospital, or non-profit research institution in a Nordic country (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland).

  • Must have their own salary guaranteed by the host institution for the full project duration (3–5 years).

Co-Applicant Requirements:

  • Must be based at a non-profit institution within the EEA, United Kingdom, or Switzerland.

  • Mandatory Internationality: At least one co-applicant must be in a different country than the Main Applicant.

  • Must contribute significantly to the science and receive a substantial portion of the budget.

Funding and Grant Logistics

  • Total Pool: Up to DKK 75 million.

  • Individual Grant Size: DKK 10 million to DKK 15 million.

  • Project Duration: 3 to 5 years.

Eligible vs. Ineligible Costs:

  • Included: Salaries for Postdocs, PhD students, technicians, and consultants; equipment; consumables; travel; and publication fees.

  • Excluded: Salaries for the Main Applicant or Co-Applicants; indirect/overhead institutional costs; commercial activities; and projects primarily focused on weight loss through anti-obesity medication.

How to Apply: The Two-Phase Process

The NNF uses a staged evaluation to ensure high scientific quality and alignment.

  1. Phase 1 (Concept Note): Applicants submit a short summary of the research idea and a high-level budget. This is assessed internally for “fit” with the programme’s goals.

  2. Phase 2 (Full Application): Selected candidates are invited to submit a detailed scientific proposal.

  3. Peer Review: Phase 2 applications are sent to an international panel of experts for external peer review.

  4. Final Decision: Written feedback is provided to all Phase 2 applicants after the decision is finalized.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Mistake: Insufficient Sex Focus. A project that merely “includes” women in a general cohort will not be funded. Sex-related differences must be the core focus of the research hypothesis.

  • Mistake: Single-Country Teams. Projects involving only researchers from one country (e.g., only Danish researchers) are automatically ineligible.

  • Tip: Scientific Synergy. Clearly describe how the international collaboration adds value. The evaluators look for partnerships where each member is essential to the result.

  • Tip: Budget Justification. Ensure the budget specifically links to the “mechanistic” nature of the work, such as high-end imaging, genomic sequencing, or complex laboratory assays.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the Main Applicant be based in the UK or Germany? No. The Main Applicant must be anchored in a Nordic country (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland). However, researchers in the UK or Germany are highly encouraged to join as Co-Applicants.

2. Is research on anti-obesity medication eligible? Generally, no. Projects where the primary goal is weight loss using anti-obesity medication are excluded from this call.

3. Does the grant cover the Lead Applicant’s salary? No. The grant does not fund the salary of the Main Applicant or the Co-Applicants. It is intended to fund the research team and project costs.

4. What is the maximum duration for a project? Projects must be completed within 5 years, with a minimum duration of 3 years.

5. Can I apply in my native language? No. All application materials and supporting documents must be submitted in English.

6. What happens if I have overlapping funding? Applicants must declare all other funding. The NNF will not provide “double funding” for projects that are substantially the same as those already supported by another source.

7. How much of the budget must go to Co-Applicants? While there is no fixed percentage, the NNF requires that Co-Applicants receive a “substantial share” to reflect their significant scientific contribution.

Conclusion

The Female Heart – Clinical Mechanistic Grant is a cornerstone for advancing cardiovascular equality. By focusing on the unique biological drivers of heart disease in women, this programme moves the medical community closer to effective, sex-specific treatments. Successful applicants will demonstrate a Nordic anchor, a robust European collaborative network, and a hypothesis-driven approach to mechanistic heart research.

For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.