Deadline: 03-Sep-2026
The Novo Nordisk Foundation is offering up to DKK 23 million in funding to support projects that enhance public engagement, knowledge, and interest in natural science, technology, sustainability, climate, energy, and health across Denmark. Grants ranging from DKK 100,000 to DKK 4.3 million are available for projects lasting up to six years, with additional support for smaller pre-project initiatives focused on partnership building and project development.
Program Overview
The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Education & Outreach funding opportunity aims to strengthen public understanding and engagement with natural science and technology. The programme supports innovative projects that communicate scientific knowledge, inspire curiosity, encourage informed public dialogue, and increase awareness of major societal challenges.
The initiative seeks to make science more accessible to children, young people, and the general public while promoting evidence-based understanding and helping counter misinformation.
Funding Details
A total funding pool of up to DKK 23 million has been allocated for this call.
Funding levels include:
- Grants from DKK 100,000 to DKK 4,300,000.
- Project durations of up to six years.
- Pre-project funding of up to DKK 150,000 for early-stage activities.
Pre-project funding may support:
- Partnership development.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Needs assessments.
- Feasibility studies.
- Challenge mapping.
- Concept development for larger future initiatives.
Program Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Increase public interest in science and technology.
- Improve scientific literacy among diverse audiences.
- Support communication of scientific research and innovation.
- Promote understanding of sustainability and climate challenges.
- Encourage dialogue between researchers and society.
- Increase trust in evidence-based information.
- Counter misinformation and scientific misconceptions.
- Strengthen STEM education and public outreach efforts.
Priority Themes
Projects may focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Natural sciences.
- Technology and innovation.
- Sustainability.
- Climate change.
- Energy production and transition.
- Health and biomedical sciences.
- Scientific research communication.
- Public engagement with science.
- STEM learning and outreach.
- Evidence-based decision-making.
Types of Projects Supported
The Foundation welcomes projects that:
- Communicate scientific knowledge to the public.
- Create interactive learning experiences.
- Develop educational resources and outreach programmes.
- Organize exhibitions, events, and public science activities.
- Foster dialogue between researchers and communities.
- Increase awareness of societal and environmental challenges.
- Encourage youth participation in science and technology.
- Promote reliable scientific information across multiple platforms.
Projects should demonstrate clear societal value and broad public benefit.
Why This Funding Matters
Scientific literacy plays a critical role in addressing modern challenges such as climate change, health crises, energy transitions, and technological transformation.
This funding programme helps:
- Build public trust in science.
- Improve understanding of complex societal issues.
- Encourage informed public participation.
- Inspire future generations of scientists and innovators.
- Support sustainable development goals.
- Strengthen evidence-based public discourse.
By supporting accessible science communication, the programme contributes to a more informed and engaged society.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include organizations within the Danish Realm, such as:
- Educational institutions.
- Universities and colleges.
- Municipalities.
- Public authorities.
- Research institutions.
- Museums.
- Foundations.
- Nonprofit organizations.
- Associations and civil society organizations.
Private companies may also apply if:
- The project is non-commercial.
- The project serves a nonprofit purpose.
- The benefits extend to a broad segment of society.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with the administering institution throughout the grant period.
- Hold responsibility for project implementation and reporting.
- Ensure compliance with Foundation funding requirements.
Additional restrictions include:
- Only one application may be submitted as the main applicant across the Foundation’s three Education & Outreach calls in 2026.
- Applicants currently holding active Education & Outreach grants awarded between 2018 and 2025 may apply only during the final year of their existing grant period.
Eligible Costs
Funding may be used for:
- Salaries and personnel costs.
- Project management.
- Researcher substitute staffing.
- Operating expenses.
- Project-related travel.
- Evaluation and impact assessment.
- External auditing where required.
- Administrative support up to 5% of the total project budget.
- Net fondsmoms expenses for municipalities and regions.
Ineligible Costs
Funding cannot be used for:
- Commercial business activities.
- Construction or building projects.
- Institutional overhead costs.
- Activities receiving duplicate funding from other sources.
- Expenses not directly related to project objectives.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review applicant requirements and ensure your organization qualifies under the programme guidelines.
Step 2: Define the Project
Develop a project that aligns with one or more priority themes, including science communication, technology, sustainability, climate, energy, or health.
Step 3: Develop Partnerships
Identify collaborators, stakeholders, researchers, educators, or community organizations that can strengthen project delivery and impact.
Step 4: Prepare the Budget
Create a realistic budget that includes eligible costs and demonstrates value for money.
Step 5: Demonstrate Public Impact
Clearly explain:
- Target audiences.
- Expected outcomes.
- Engagement methods.
- Knowledge-sharing activities.
- Evaluation plans.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete and submit the application according to the Foundation’s requirements and deadlines.
Application Evaluation Criteria
Applications are likely to be assessed based on:
- Relevance to programme objectives.
- Public engagement potential.
- Scientific accuracy and quality.
- Innovation and creativity.
- Feasibility and implementation capacity.
- Societal impact.
- Collaboration and partnerships.
- Sustainability of outcomes.
- Evaluation and learning approach.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly identify the target audience.
- Demonstrate measurable public impact.
- Use innovative science communication methods.
- Include strong partnerships.
- Show how the project addresses societal challenges.
- Provide a realistic implementation plan.
- Include a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.
- Explain how the project combats misinformation and promotes evidence-based understanding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects with unclear public benefit.
- Failing to connect activities to programme priorities.
- Providing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
- Weak evaluation and impact measurement plans.
- Overlooking audience engagement strategies.
- Requesting funding for ineligible expenses.
- Demonstrating insufficient organizational capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much funding is available?
The total funding available under this call is up to DKK 23 million.
What is the minimum and maximum grant size?
Projects may receive between DKK 100,000 and DKK 4,300,000.
Are smaller planning projects eligible?
Yes. Pre-project funding of up to DKK 150,000 is available for activities such as partnership development and feasibility assessments.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include public institutions, educational organizations, research institutions, museums, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and qualifying private companies conducting non-commercial projects.
Can private companies receive funding?
Yes, provided the proposed project is non-commercial, nonprofit in nature, and generates benefits for a broader segment of society.
What topics are supported?
The programme supports projects related to natural sciences, technology, sustainability, climate, energy, health, scientific communication, and public engagement.
What project duration is allowed?
Projects may run for up to six years.
Conclusion
The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Public Engagement in Natural Science and Technology funding programme provides significant support for organizations seeking to increase scientific literacy, public engagement, and evidence-based understanding across Denmark. With up to DKK 23 million available, the initiative offers valuable opportunities for educational institutions, nonprofits, researchers, municipalities, and other organizations to create impactful projects that connect science and society while addressing some of today’s most important challenges.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.