[Novo Nordisk](https://www.novonordisk.com)

September 2, 2025: Full application deadline (call closes)

DKK 8–12 million per project for 4 years; up to DKK 50 million total; one project receives an additional DKK 2 million for consortium activities.

Funds collaborative basic and clinical research to uncover molecular mechanisms linking obesity and cancer, with a focus on mechanistic studies and research consortium activities.

--- ## Description This grant supports collaborative research projects that reverse-translate clinical observations into mechanistic studies to better understand how obesity impacts carcinogenesis. Projects must combine the expertise of both basic and clinical scientists, focusing on experimental studies—typically in vitro, in vivo, or computational modeling—that investigate the molecular links between obesity and cancer. All cancer types are in scope, and research may cover topics from adipocyte biology to systemic and endocrine effects of obesity. Funded projects will also participate in a research consortium, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint activities to advance the prevention and management of obesity-related cancers. --- ## Due Dates - September 2, 2025: Full application deadline (call closes) — applications must be submitted by 14:00 CEST (Copenhagen time) on September 2, 2025. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to DKK 12 million per collaborative research project for a 4-year period (2026–2029). - Total available funding: up to DKK 50 million. - One selected project will receive an additional DKK 2 million to organize consortium network activities. - Eligible costs include salaries (excluding own salary for main/co-applicant), PhD tuition, travel, equipment (max 10% of budget), consumables, open access publication, and administrative expenses (up to 5% if project supplement does not apply). - Ineligible costs: new clinical studies, clinical trials, epidemiological research, commercial activities, overhead/indirect costs, own salary for main/co-applicant, and double funding. --- ## Eligibility - Main applicant: Independent scientist employed at a university, hospital, or other non-profit research institution in Denmark. - Collaboration between one basic and one clinical researcher is required; the clinical researcher must be active in the clinic (not in a full-time research position). - Main applicant can be either the basic or clinical researcher. - Co-applicant: Must be from a non-profit research institution in Denmark, another EEA country, the UK, or Switzerland. - Both main and co-applicant must be employed at their respective institutions and must each receive a substantial portion of the budget. - Only one application per applicant; cannot be co-applicant on more than one application. - Project duration: 4 years. - Applications must describe a clearly defined, eligible research project and budget. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s electronic system, NORMA. - All materials must be in English. - Required materials: - Project title and description (up to 30,000 characters) - Brief project summary - Details of consortium/network activities - Budget (entered in NORMA system) - Hosting letter (PDF) - Detailed budget for consortium activities (PDF, max 1 page) - Only the main applicant can submit the application. - Register new institutions in NORMA in advance, as registration may take up to five working days. - Application guidelines are available: [MMLOC Guidelines (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/MMLOC-guidelines-web-1.pdf) --- ## Additional Information - Projects must not involve new clinical studies, clinical trials, or epidemiological research. - All applicants must comply with the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s general terms, policies, and ethical standards. - Participation in consortium activities (joint workshops, symposia, study trips, publications) is mandatory. - Inclusion of an EEA, UK, or Swiss co-applicant is viewed positively in the review process. - Notification of funding decisions expected December 2025; earliest project start date is January 1, 2026. --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Page](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/molecular-mechanisms-linking-obesity-and-cancer-mmloc/) - [Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/MMLOC-guidelines-web-1.pdf) - [General Rules & FAQs](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/how-we-work/what-are-grants/) - [NORMA Application Portal](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | |----------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Alexandra Søgaard Helbo | Senior Scientific Manager | [ash@novo.dk](mailto:ash@novo.dk) | | Julie Krener | Grant Manager | [jkr@novo.dk](mailto:jkr@novo.dk) | | Novo Nordisk Foundation | Main Office | [info@novonordiskfonden.dk](mailto:info@novonordiskfonden.dk) | Phone (Foundation): +45 35 27 66 00 ---

Molecular Mechanisms Linking Obesity and Cancer (MMLOC)

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