CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2026 – Modelling Human Cardiometabolic Disease - Novo Nordisk
Supports collaborative research to develop advanced, innovative models for human cardiometabolic disease, aiming to improve translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
Funder: Novo Nordisk
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: DKK 40–75 million (approx. EUR 5.4–10 million) per grant; project duration up to 6 years
Summary: Supports collaborative research to develop innovative models for human cardiometabolic disease, aiming to improve translation of scientific findings into clinical practice.
Key Information: Large, consortium-based grants; at least one partner must be based in Denmark; industry partners may participate but cannot receive funding.
Description
This program is a flagship initiative by Novo Nordisk to accelerate the development of advanced, validated models for human cardiometabolic disease (CMD). The goal is to overcome current limitations in preclinical and clinical CMD models by supporting the creation of novel in vitro, ex vivo, humanised animal, or computational (including AI and machine learning) models that better replicate the complexity and diversity of human CMD. The program emphasizes translational relevance, genetic and demographic diversity, and collaborative, cross-institutional research consortia. Supported research should ultimately improve the translation of basic research findings into clinical applications.
Projects are expected to be ambitious, multidisciplinary, and collaborative, with a strong focus on scientific depth and synergy within the Danish and European research ecosystems. The program aligns with the Novo Nordisk Foundation's strategic priorities and seeks to foster high-impact research with potential for significant scientific and clinical advances.
