Deadline: 18-Aug-2026
The Jacobæus Prize for Biomedicine honors outstanding scientists affiliated with Danish non-profit research institutions who have made transformative contributions to basic bioscience or biomedicine. The prize, valued at DKK 1.7 million, supports both research and personal recognition while promoting scientific excellence and leadership in Denmark.
What is the Jacobæus Prize?
The Jacobæus Prize recognizes scientists advancing understanding of disease mechanisms and fundamental biological principles. It strengthens biomedical research in Denmark by highlighting exceptional research contributions and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Key Focus Areas Include:
- Basic bioscience and biomedicine research
- Advancing knowledge of disease mechanisms and fundamental biology
- Promoting scientific excellence and leadership in Denmark
- Mentorship and role modeling for early-career researchers
Who is Eligible?
Eligible candidates include:
- Active scientists holding a current research position at a Danish non-profit research institution
- Researchers with an ongoing, impactful research program in Denmark
- Candidates of any nationality meeting institutional and research criteria
Nomination Rules: - Nominations may come from individual researchers, research institutions, or funding agencies
- Only one nomination per nominator is allowed
- Self-nominations and family member nominations are not accepted
- Individuals associated with the Novo Nordisk Foundation Board or standing committees are ineligible
Prize Details
Total Prize Value: DKK 1.7 million, allocated as follows:
- Research grant: DKK 1,250,000
- Personal award: DKK 250,000
- Symposium support for host institution: up to DKK 200,000
Prize Process:
- Announcement scheduled in December
- Recipient and host institution may organize a prize symposium with foundation support
- Symposium highlights the recipient’s field of research and achievements
How the Prize Works
- Nominators submit a single nomination for an eligible scientist
- Selection is based on scientific excellence, research impact, and leadership qualities
- The prize supports continued research, personal recognition, and dissemination through a symposium
- Recipients serve as role models, mentoring and inspiring early-career researchers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting nominations for ineligible candidates (e.g., outside Denmark, not at a non-profit institution)
- Self-nomination or nomination by family members
- Ignoring the one-nomination-per-nominator limit
- Failing to demonstrate both research excellence and leadership qualities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can be nominated? Scientists with an active research program at a Danish non-profit research institution.
- Can candidates be of any nationality? Yes, provided they meet institutional and research criteria.
- What is the total prize value? DKK 1.7 million, including research grant, personal award, and symposium support.
- Who can nominate a candidate? Individual researchers, research institutions, and funding agencies.
- Are self-nominations allowed? No, self-nominations and family nominations are prohibited.
- When is the prize announced? In December each year.
- What is the purpose of the symposium? To showcase the recipient’s research field and achievements, supported with up to DKK 200,000 for organization.
Conclusion
The Jacobæus Prize for Biomedicine celebrates scientific excellence, innovation, and leadership in Denmark. By supporting research, recognizing achievement, and fostering mentorship, the prize strengthens biomedical research and inspires the next generation of scientists.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.









































