Deadline: 07-Oct-2026
The Novo Nordisk Foundation is funding large-scale research projects to develop rapid, minimally invasive, and affordable diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Grants range from DKK 30–75 million for up to six years, supporting interdisciplinary research consortia. The programme prioritises early-stage innovations, biomarker discovery, and data-driven diagnostic technologies.
Overview
The Novo Nordisk Foundation has launched a major research funding programme to accelerate innovation in diagnosing Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs).
The initiative focuses on developing rapid, accurate, and minimally invasive diagnostic tools to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burden.
Funding Details
- Total funding pool: Up to DKK 150 million (~EUR 20 million)
- Grant size per project:
- DKK 30 million to DKK 75 million (~EUR 4–10 million)
- Project duration: Up to 6 years
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Enable rapid and accurate diagnosis of LRTIs
- Reduce reliance on invasive diagnostic procedures
- Improve antimicrobial treatment decisions
- Strengthen European and Danish research ecosystems
- Foster interdisciplinary scientific collaboration
Key Research Focus Areas
1. Rapid Diagnostic Technologies
- Development of point-of-care diagnostic tools
- Faster detection of respiratory infections
2. Minimally Invasive Methods
- Alternatives to invasive sampling (e.g., blood, breath, saliva-based diagnostics)
- Improved patient comfort and accessibility
3. Biomarker Discovery and Validation
- Identification of disease-specific biomarkers
- Clinical validation of diagnostic markers
4. Data-Driven Diagnostics
- Use of AI and computational models
- Identification of disease-specific analytes
- Predictive modelling for infection detection
5. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Prediction
- Tools to predict resistance patterns
- Improved antibiotic selection and stewardship
Key Concepts Explained
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs)
LRTIs affect the lungs and lower airways and include conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis. They are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Minimally Invasive Diagnostics
Diagnostic approaches that avoid complex or painful procedures (e.g., using blood samples instead of lung biopsies).
Biomarkers
Biological indicators (e.g., proteins, genes) that help detect or monitor diseases.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility
The ability of a microorganism to respond to antibiotic treatment, critical for selecting effective therapies.
Who is Eligible?
Consortium Requirements
- 2 to 4 research groups per project
- Includes:
- 1 main applicant
- 1 to 3 co-applicants
Main Applicant Criteria
- Independent researcher (tenured or tenure-track)
- Affiliated with:
- A European university
- Hospital
- Non-profit research institution
- Minimum 75% employment commitment
- Guaranteed salary for full project duration
Danish Participation Requirement
- At least one applicant must be based in Denmark
- Must meet the same 75% commitment criteria
Co-Applicants
- Can be based globally
- Must contribute relevant expertise
Industry Participation
- Industry partners allowed as collaborators
- Not eligible to receive funding
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step Process
- Form a Consortium
- Build a multidisciplinary team (2–4 groups)
- Include Danish and international expertise
- Define Research Proposal
- Focus on LRTI diagnostics innovation
- Align with programme priorities
- Develop Project Plan
- Include methodology, milestones, and expected outcomes
- Submit Application
- Provide scientific rationale, team qualifications, and budget
- Evaluation and Selection
- Based on scientific excellence, innovation, and feasibility
- Project Implementation
- Conduct research over up to 6 years
- Deliver validated diagnostic solutions
Why This Programme Matters
- Addresses a major global health challenge
- Enables faster and more accurate diagnosis of lung infections
- Reduces misuse of antibiotics
- Promotes cutting-edge interdisciplinary research
- Strengthens European life sciences innovation
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak interdisciplinary collaboration
- Lack of clinical relevance or application
- Insufficient validation strategy for diagnostics
- عدم clear link to LRTI-specific outcomes
- عدم inclusion of Danish partner requirement
Tips for a Strong Application
- Integrate multiple disciplines (e.g., biology + AI + clinical research)
- Focus on real-world clinical impact
- Provide strong preliminary data (if available)
- Highlight innovation in diagnostics
- Ensure clear pathway to validation and implementation
FAQs
1. What is the funding range for this programme?
Projects can receive between DKK 30 million and DKK 75 million.
2. How long can projects run?
Projects can last up to 6 years.
3. Who can be the main applicant?
An independent researcher based at a European academic, hospital, or non-profit institution.
4. Is Danish participation mandatory?
Yes, at least one applicant must be affiliated with a Danish institution.
5. Can industry partners participate?
Yes, but they cannot receive funding from the grant.
6. What types of research are supported?
Early-stage innovations in diagnostics, including biomarkers, AI-based tools, and minimally invasive methods.
7. What is the main goal of the programme?
To develop rapid, affordable, and minimally invasive diagnostics for lower respiratory tract infections.
Conclusion
The Novo Nordisk Foundation LRTI Diagnostics Programme is a high-value funding opportunity for research teams aiming to revolutionise how respiratory infections are diagnosed. By supporting interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative technologies, the programme has the potential to significantly improve global healthcare outcomes and advance precision medicine in infectious diseases.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.
