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

August 1, 2026: Nomination submission deadline / Call closes for the Novonesis Biotechnology Prize

DKK 4.5 million for research support plus DKK 0.5 million personal award; one-time prize per awardee.

Recognizes outstanding European research or technological achievements advancing innovative and sustainable biotechnology solutions for societal and environmental benefit.

--- ## Description The Novonesis Biotechnology Prize, awarded annually by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of innovative and sustainable biotechnology. The award is intended to raise awareness of both basic and applied biotechnology research and is open to those whose work has had a substantial impact in areas such as biomanufacturing, industrial, environmental, food, or plant biotechnology. The prize consists of major research funding, a personal award, and the organization of an international symposium in the recipient’s field. --- ## Due Dates - August 1, 2026: Nomination submission deadline (11:59pm Copenhagen time) Nominations are accepted throughout the year, but only those submitted by this deadline will be considered for the forthcoming award cycle. The awardee is announced each April. --- ## Funding Amount - Total prize: DKK 5 million (approx. €670,000) - DKK 4.5 million for research funding - DKK 0.5 million as a personal award - Includes organization of an international symposium within the awardee’s research field - One-time award; non-renewable --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must have made an important contribution to European science in relevant fields (e.g., biomanufacturing, industrial, environmental, food, or plant biotechnology). - Nominees must currently hold a position and lead an active research program at a public or non-profit research institution in a European country. - Nominees can be of any nationality. - The prize is not for lifetime achievement; it recognizes specific impactful research or technology achievements. - Ineligible: - Members of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Board or prize committee - Board members, directors, or employees of the Novo Group - Self-nominations and nominations by family members --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted via the official [online nomination form](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/form/novonesis-biotechnologyprize-2025/). - Required materials include: - Details on the nominee’s discovery or breakthrough and its impact - Summary of research activities (max 250 words) - Up to 5 significant peer-reviewed publications relevant to the nomination - Information on the nominee’s commitment to mentoring young scientists - Nominators must not be family members of the nominee and must represent an organization. - All nominations are confidential and undergo peer review by an international committee. - The committee shortlists candidates and conducts further assessment before making a recommendation to the Foundation’s Board, which selects the winner. --- ## Additional Information - The award includes the organization of an international symposium within the awardee’s research area. - Previous awardees and their achievements are showcased on the [prize page](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/prizes/novonesis-biotechnology-prize/). - The prize is highly competitive and recognizes transformative research with broad impact on biotechnology. --- ## External Links - [Prize program page](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/novonesisbiotechnologyprize/) - [Nomination form](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/form/novonesis-biotechnologyprize-2025/) - [Prize recipients and previous awardees](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/prize-recipients/?prize=60694) - [Committee on the Novonesis Biotechnology Prize](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/committees/committee-on-the-novonesis-biotechnology-prize/) - [Rules, grant administration and FAQ](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/how-we-work/what-are-grants/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | |---------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------| | Henning Jørgensen | Senior Scientific Manager, Biotechnology | hej@novo.dk | | Pernille Julø Risegaard | Prize Manager, Natural & Technical Sciences | pjri@novo.dk | | General Inquiries | Novo Nordisk Foundation | info@novonordiskfonden.dk | | Phone | | +45-4444-8888 | For further details, see the [foundation's contact page](https://www.novonordisk.com/contact-us.html).

Novonesis Biotechnology Prize

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