Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme 2026
Supports high-risk, interdisciplinary research projects in biomedical, biotech, and technical sciences with a focus on health or sustainability impact.
Funder: Novo Nordisk Foundation
Due Dates: September 3, 2026: Full application deadline (call closes)
Funding Amounts: Up to DKK 6.8 million per grant for up to 3 years; total call budget DKK 68 million
Summary: Supports high-risk, interdisciplinary research in biomedical, biotech, and technical sciences with a focus on health or sustainability impact.
Key Information: Main applicant must be at least 50% affiliated with a Danish institution; 1–3 co-applicants from different disciplines required.
Description
The Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme from the Novo Nordisk Foundation is designed to foster creative, high-risk/high-gain research that bridges scientific disciplines, organizations, and national borders. The programme specifically targets early-stage, untested ideas that require interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to break down barriers and stimulate emerging research across scientific techniques and fields. Projects must align with the Foundation’s strategic focus areas: Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, and Natural and Technical Sciences, and must have clear applicability to health or sustainability. The programme also aims to strengthen Danish research through internationalization and to educate and train the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers. While social sciences and humanities can be included, they cannot be the primary focus of a proposal.
