Deadline: 08-Apr-2026

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Start Package Grant Programme supports Danish universities and non-profit research institutions in recruiting outstanding international researchers. The four-year grant provides up to DKK 10 million to help newly recruited faculty establish independent research groups in areas aligned with the Foundation’s health and sustainability strategy.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is offering the Start Package Grant Programme to strengthen the international competitiveness of Danish universities and research institutions.

The programme supports the recruitment of outstanding researchers of any nationality and provides funding to help them establish independent research groups at Danish host institutions.

Strategic Focus Areas

The grant supports research aligned with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, including:

• Prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases

• Reduction of infectious disease burden and threats

• Advancement and application of regenerative medicine

• Reduction of health inequity

• Sustainable and high-yield agriculture

• Sustainable food for healthy diets

• High-impact climate change mitigation technologies

• Societal support for the green transition

• Fundamental research with potential applications in health or sustainability

• Interdisciplinary research

• Technology development aligned with health or sustainability goals

Grant Duration and Funding Amount

The Start Package Grant is awarded for four years.

Funding levels depend on the recruited position:

• Up to DKK 5 million for tenure-track assistant professor positions

• Up to DKK 8 million for time-unlimited associate professor positions

• Up to DKK 10 million for time-unlimited full professor positions and clinical or clinical chair professor positions with mandatory research responsibilities

Eligible Use of Funds

Grant funding may be used for research-related expenses, including:

• Salaries for research staff

• PhD tuition fees

• Relocation costs

• Laboratory establishment costs

• Operating expenses

• Equipment

• Travel

• Publication costs

• Approved institutional supplements

The grant cannot be used for:

• The candidate’s own salary

• Commercial activities

• Overhead costs

• Projects receiving overlapping funding

Institutional Eligibility and Requirements

Eligible applicants are Danish universities and non-profit research institutions.

Each institution may submit one application per vacant faculty position and designated candidate.

Before submission, the institution must:

• Identify a top candidate

• Conduct an objective evaluation

• Use a scientifically competent appointment committee

• Include external and international representation in the committee

If funding is awarded, the institution must confirm the appointment within two months.

Position Requirements

The offered position must:

• Be a research role aligned with the Foundation’s strategic areas

• Be part of a formal tenure-track programme (for assistant professors)

• Be time-unlimited (for associate and full professors)

• Include mandatory research duties for at least five years (for clinical and clinical chair professor roles)

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

Candidates:

• May hold any nationality

• Must relocate to a new research institution

• Must not have conducted research at the recruiting institution for more than 12 months within the previous 36 months

• Must establish their research group at the host institution within one year of receiving the grant

Internal recruitment is not supported.

Candidates recruited within Denmark must be offered a position with clear career progression, except when recruited from industry.

Application and Selection Process

Applications must be:

• Submitted in English

• Submitted by the person with appointment authority at the recruiting institution

Proposals are evaluated based on:

• The candidate’s scientific track record or potential

• Alignment with the Foundation’s 2030 strategy

• Contribution to the recruiting institution

• Quality and transparency of the recruitment process

Key Dates

• Application deadline: 8 April 2026 at 2:00 pm (Copenhagen time)

• Results expected: Mid-May 2026

• Next call expected: Third quarter of 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Start Package Grant?

Only Danish universities and non-profit research institutions can submit applications.

2. Can researchers of any nationality be recruited?

Yes. Candidates may hold any nationality.

3. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to DKK 10 million, depending on the faculty position.

4. Can the grant cover the recruited researcher’s salary?

No. The candidate’s own salary is not eligible for funding under this grant.

5. Is internal recruitment allowed?

No. Internal recruitment is not supported.

6. Is mobility required?

Yes. Candidates must relocate and must not have worked at the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the previous 36 months.

Conclusion

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Start Package Grant Programme provides substantial four-year funding to support Danish institutions in recruiting high-calibre researchers from around the world. By enabling newly appointed faculty to establish independent research groups in health and sustainability-related fields, the programme aims to enhance international competitiveness, strengthen research excellence, and advance the Foundation’s 2030 strategic priorities.

For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.