Infectious Diseases Catalyst Grants
Supports innovative research on novel solutions for antimicrobial resistance or pandemic influenza, emphasizing translational impact on global infectious disease challenges.
Funder: Novo Nordisk Foundation
Due Dates: May 19, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to DKK 4 million (single PI) or up to DKK 7 million (collaborative, Nordic PI + international co-PI) for up to 3 years; total call budget DKK 60 million.
Summary: Catalytic funding for innovative research on antimicrobial resistance or pandemic influenza to address global infectious disease challenges.
Key Information: Only one application per person (as PI or co-PI); main applicant must be at least 75% employed at a Nordic institution.
Description
This program supports exploratory, use-inspired, and innovative research projects with high potential for impact on global challenges in human infectious diseases. In 2026, projects must focus on either developing novel tools to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or advancing understanding and mitigation of pandemic influenza. The aim is to catalyze research leading to new solutions, with a strong emphasis on translational potential. Projects should address urgent gaps, such as rationally designed approaches for WHO-priority AMR pathogens or improving knowledge of pandemic influenza’s infectivity, transmission, and disease severity in humans. The grant does not support projects focused solely on surveillance, infrastructure, clinical trials, microbiome research, phage therapy, or those not directly related to human health.
