Female Heart – Mechanistic Research Grants
Funds international collaborative research on the mechanistic causes of sex-related differences in cardiovascular disease, with a focus on Nordic-European partnerships.
Funder: Novo Nordisk Foundation
Due Dates: March 19, 2026 (Phase 1 concept note) | August 12, 2026 (Phase 2 full application)
Funding Amounts: Up to DKK 15 million per project (3–5 years); total pool DKK 75 million
Summary: Funds collaborative Nordic-European research on mechanistic causes of sex-related differences in cardiovascular disease.
Key Information: International collaboration (Nordic main applicant + EEA/UK/Swiss co-applicant outside main applicant's country) is required.
Description
This grant supports multi-institutional research projects aimed at uncovering the mechanistic drivers behind sex-related differences in cardiovascular disease. Projects must focus on mechanistic or translational research related to sex-specific aspects such as age, disease progression, treatment response, endothelial function, non-obstructive coronary artery disease in women, and feedback loops with sex-specific comorbidities. The program emphasizes international collaboration between research groups anchored in the Nordic countries and partners elsewhere in Europe (EEA, UK, or Switzerland).
