[Novo Nordisk Foundation](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/)

May 20, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)

Up to DKK 19.4 million (~€2.6M) per grant over 4 years; total annual call budget DKK 97 million (~€13M)

Supports ambitious, high-risk/high-gain interdisciplinary research projects addressing major challenges in health and sustainability through international and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

--- ## Description The Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme 2026 funds creative and impactful research projects that require collaboration across scientific disciplines, organizations, and national borders. The aim is to address significant challenges in health and sustainability by enabling high-risk/high-gain research grounded in robust preliminary data. The programme encourages synergy among research teams, supports the development of new interdisciplinary research areas, and fosters long-term collaborations. Projects should focus on fundamental research (TRL 1-2) within Medical Sciences, Biotechnology, or Natural and Technical Sciences, with clear applications in health or sustainability. --- ## Due Dates - May 20, 2026: Full application submission deadline (call closes) --- ## Funding Amount - Up to DKK 19.4 million (approx. €2.6M) per grant - Project duration: up to 4 years - Total annual call budget: DKK 97 million (approx. €13M) - Typically, up to 5–6 grants awarded per cycle Eligible costs include salaries for research/technical staff (not for main or co-applicant PIs), PhD/postdoc salaries, project materials, equipment, meetings, travel, publication fees, and administrative expenses (with some restrictions for Danish universities). --- ## Eligibility - Projects must involve 2–4 research groups (main applicant plus 1–3 co-applicants) from different disciplines and, ideally, different institutions. - The main applicant must be at least 50% affiliated with a Danish university, hospital, or other non-profit research organization (host institution). - Co-applicants may be based in Denmark or abroad; industrial partners may participate but cannot receive direct funding. - Only one application as main applicant per year; may participate as co-applicant on one additional proposal. - Project must be based on robust preliminary data; projects without such data should apply to the Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme. - Research must be fundamental (TRL 1–2) and within Medical Sciences, Biotechnology, or Natural/Technical Sciences with applications in health or sustainability. - Projects with a primary focus in Social Sciences or Humanities, livestock, gaming, sustainable architecture, or AI-assisted clinical decision support are out of scope. - Main applicant must be tenured or tenure-track. - No overlap of funding for the same project from other sources. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [NORMA online system](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk). - One-stage submission; all materials must be in English. - Required documents: project description, CVs, publication lists, hosting letter (from Danish host), budget, and details on all applicants and co-applicants. - Applications are initially screened for eligibility, then reviewed by the Committee on Interdisciplinary Research. Selected proposals undergo international peer review. - Notification of results: End of December 2026. - Earliest project start: February 1, 2027; latest start: December 31, 2027. --- ## Additional Information - The main applicant is responsible for submitting the application and ensuring all co-applicants are registered in NORMA. - Applications missing required information or appendices may be administratively rejected. - The grant does not cover PI salaries, overhead, or indirect costs (except as a project supplement for Danish universities). - Administrative costs are capped (not applicable to Danish universities). - See [full guidelines](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/Information-and-Guidelines-for-Interdisciplinary-Synergy-Programme-2026-1.pdf) for detailed budget rules, eligible costs, and application instructions. --- ## External Links - [Programme webpage (call details)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/interdisciplinary-synergy-programme-2026/) - [Full application guidelines (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/Information-and-Guidelines-for-Interdisciplinary-Synergy-Programme-2026-1.pdf) - [NORMA application portal](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk) - [General terms and conditions](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/conditions-for-grants/) - [FAQ and rules](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/how-we-work/what-are-grants/faq/) - [Committee on Interdisciplinary Research](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/komiteer/committee-on-interdisciplinary-research-2/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | |------------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------| | Kamilla Nørregaard | Senior Scientific Manager | [knr@novo.dk](mailto:knr@novo.dk) | | Camilla Banke Birk | Grant Specialist | [cbk@novo.dk](mailto:cbk@novo.dk) | | General Inquiries | - | [info@novonordiskfonden.dk](mailto:info@novonordiskfonden.dk) | Phone (main): +45-4444-8888 [Contact page](https://www.novonordisk.com/contact-us.html) ---

Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme 2026

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