Call for Proposals: Nordic Chemicals Programme

The Nordic Council of Ministers has launched the Nordic Chemicals Programme 2026 to support projects that validate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) as alternatives to animal testing in chemical safety assessments. Eligible universities, research institutes, public authorities, and non-profit organizations can apply for up to DKK 750,000 per project, with a total funding pool of DKK 1.5 million.

About the Nordic Chemicals Programme

The Nordic Chemicals Programme is an initiative of the Nordic Council of Ministers that supports collaborative projects aimed at improving chemical safety, reducing pollution, and protecting human health and the environment.

The 2026 funding call focuses on advancing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)—innovative testing methods that reduce or replace the use of animals in chemical hazard and risk assessments. The programme also contributes to the European Commission’s roadmap for gradually phasing out animal testing in chemical safety evaluations.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Reduce risks posed by hazardous chemicals and pollution.
Promote safer management of chemical substances and products.
Support the development and validation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
Contribute to the replacement of animal testing in chemical safety assessments.
Encourage cooperation among Nordic chemical authorities.
Generate and share scientific knowledge across Nordic countries.
Support implementation of international agreements on chemicals, waste, plastics, and pollutants.
Improve protection of human health and the environment.

Funding Information

Maximum grant per project: Up to DKK 750,000
Total funding available: DKK 1,500,000
Project duration: Up to 12 months
Implementation period: 2026–2027

Priority Theme

Theme 1: Development and Validation of Test Methods

The call specifically supports projects that validate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for chemical safety testing.

Eligible projects may include:

Validation of NAMs already included in the OECD Test Guideline Programme.
Pre-validation activities before submission to the OECD Test Guideline Programme.
Scientific validation of alternative test methods.
Activities supporting the European Commission’s roadmap to phase out animal testing.
Research that improves chemical hazard and risk assessment using non-animal methods.

What are New Approach Methodologies (NAMs)?

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) are modern scientific techniques used to evaluate the safety of chemicals without relying on traditional animal testing.

Examples include:

Cell-based laboratory models.
Computer-based predictive models.
In vitro testing methods.
High-throughput screening technologies.
Advanced molecular and computational approaches.

These methods improve scientific efficiency while reducing animal use and supporting ethical chemical safety assessments.

Who is Eligible?

Applications are open to:

Municipal authorities.
Regional authorities.
National authorities.
Universities.
Colleges.
Research institutes.
Non-profit organizations.

Who Cannot Apply as Lead Applicant?

Business enterprises are not eligible to serve as:

Main applicants.
Grant recipients.

However, businesses may participate as:

Project collaborators.
Members of the project consortium.
Contractors working on behalf of the project owner.

Eligible Project Activities

Projects may include:

Validation of NAMs test methods.
Development of alternative chemical testing approaches.
Scientific studies supporting regulatory acceptance of NAMs.
Activities aligned with OECD Test Guideline validation.
Collaborative research among Nordic organizations.
Knowledge-sharing initiatives related to chemical safety.
Research supporting safer management of chemicals.

Why This Programme Matters

Chemical safety assessments are undergoing significant transformation worldwide. Traditional animal testing is increasingly being supplemented by innovative scientific methods that are faster, more efficient, and ethically responsible.

This programme supports that transition by:

Accelerating validation of alternative testing methods.
Improving regulatory acceptance of innovative science.
Supporting sustainable chemical management.
Reducing environmental and human health risks.
Strengthening Nordic scientific collaboration.
Advancing international chemical safety standards.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should:

Review the programme guidelines carefully.
Confirm that the proposed project focuses on Theme 1: Development and Validation of Test Methods.
Develop a project that validates New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
Prepare a detailed work plan and project timeline.
Develop a realistic project budget within the funding limit.
Submit the application according to the programme requirements before the deadline.

Tips for Applicants

Clearly explain how the project contributes to validating NAMs.
Demonstrate alignment with the European Commission’s roadmap.
Highlight the scientific significance and practical application of the proposed work.
Include strong collaboration among eligible institutions where appropriate.
Present realistic milestones and measurable outcomes.
Ensure the project can be completed within the 12-month implementation period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting projects unrelated to NAM validation.
Applying as a business enterprise as the lead applicant.
Providing unclear validation methodologies.
Failing to demonstrate scientific relevance.
Preparing unrealistic timelines or budgets.
Omitting expected outcomes or regulatory relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Nordic Chemicals Programme?

Municipal, regional, and national authorities, universities, colleges, research institutes, and other non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Projects can receive up to DKK 750,000, with a total programme budget of DKK 1.5 million.

Can private companies apply?

No. Businesses cannot act as the lead applicant or funding recipient, but they may participate as collaborators or contractors.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects that validate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and support the replacement of animal testing in chemical safety assessments.

How long can projects run?

Selected projects may be implemented for up to 12 months during 2026–2027.

Are projects already in the OECD Test Guideline Programme eligible?

Yes. Projects already included in the OECD Test Guideline Programme, as well as projects in the pre-validation stage before submission, are eligible.

What is the main goal of this funding call?

The primary objective is to accelerate the validation and adoption of alternative testing methods that improve chemical safety assessments while reducing reliance on animal testing.

Conclusion

The Nordic Chemicals Programme 2026 provides an important opportunity for public authorities, universities, research institutes, and non-profit organizations to advance innovative chemical safety research. By supporting the validation of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), the programme contributes to safer chemicals management, strengthens scientific collaboration across the Nordic region, and supports international efforts to replace animal testing with modern, evidence-based approaches.