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

August 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to DKK 3.3 million per fellowship (1–3 years); max DKK 3.41 million if including extended international research stay

Supports postdoctoral research in plant science, agriculture, and food biotechnology to advance sustainable agriculture and food production in the Nordic region.

--- ## Description This fellowship program supports outstanding postdoctoral scientists aiming to develop independent research in plant science, agriculture, and food biotechnology at a university or non-profit research institution in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. The grant targets fundamental research with a strategic outlook to address sustainability challenges and foster innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture and food production. Projects should significantly extend current knowledge, may be high-risk, and must be grounded in life science disciplines. Priority areas include high-productivity and resilient plants, sustainable use of microorganisms, advanced agricultural and food systems, novel plant- and microorganism-based foods, precision fermentation, cellular agriculture, and data-driven methods for sustainability. Research focused primarily on livestock, aquaculture, or clinical nutrition is not eligible. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (Full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to DKK 3.3 million per fellowship for a 1–3 year project. - If the project includes at least 6 months at a collaborating laboratory outside the host country, the maximum may increase to DKK 3.41 million (to cover additional travel and housing costs). - Funds may be used for salary (including for a research technician), operating expenses, equipment (up to DKK 100,000 per instrument), travel/relocation, conference participation (up to DKK 50,000 per year), publication costs, and certain administrative expenses (restrictions apply for Danish universities). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) obtained within 6 years of the application deadline, or be a PhD student who will defend their thesis before April 1, 2026. - The fellowship must be hosted at a university or non-profit research institution in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. - At least 1 year of the fellowship must take place at the Nordic host institution. - Mobility (research stay in another country for 6–24 months) is viewed positively but not required. - Only one Novo Nordisk Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship application can be under evaluation per applicant at any time. - Applicants cannot hold more than one active NNF Postdoctoral Fellowship at once; overlapping grant periods are not permitted. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted in English via the Novo Nordisk Foundation's [NORMA application system](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk). - Required documents include: - Host letter from the Nordic host institution. - (If applicable) Host letter from an international collaborating laboratory. - (If applicable) For current PhD students, a letter from the supervisor confirming expected thesis defense before April 1, 2026. - CV, publication list, project description, and budget details. - Detailed application guidelines are available in the [official call guidelines (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/Guidelines-Postdoctoral-fellowship-PAF-2025.pdf). - Only one application per applicant per call will be considered. --- ## Additional Information - Projects primarily focused on livestock, aquaculture, clinical nutrition, pharmaceuticals, or therapeutics are not eligible. - For questions about project suitability, applicants are encouraged to contact the scientific managers with a brief project summary. - The foundation does not provide feedback on declined applications. - All grant recipients must comply with the [general terms and conditions](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/how-we-work/what-are-grants/rules-and-policies/). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Application Portal](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/postdoctoral-fellowships-for-research-within-plant-science-agriculture-and-food-biotechnology-2025/) - [Guidelines for Applicants (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/Guidelines-Postdoctoral-fellowship-PAF-2025.pdf) - [How to Apply for Grants](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/how-we-work/what-are-grants/applying-for-a-grant/) - [NORMA Application System](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk) - [Committee Information](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/komiteer/komite-for-plantevidenskab-landbrug-og-foedevarebioteknologi/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | |----------------------------|-----------------------------|------------------------------| | Beatriz Domínguez Guerrero | Grant Manager | [bdm@novo.dk](mailto:bdm@novo.dk) | | Fábio Faria Oliveira | Senior Scientific Manager | [ffo@novo.dk](mailto:ffo@novo.dk) | | Thies Marten Heick | Scientific Manager | [tmh@novo.dk](mailto:tmh@novo.dk) | | General Inquiries | - | [info@novonordiskfonden.dk](mailto:info@novonordiskfonden.dk) | | Phone | - | +45 35 27 66 00 |

Postdoctoral Fellowships for research within Plant Science, Agriculture and Food Biotechnology 2025

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