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

May 6, 2026

Approx. DKK 45 million total; university-specific quotas (e.g., DKK 20M for DTU/KU/AU, DKK 15M for AAU/SDU, DKK 8M for ITU/RUC, DKK 5M for Faroe Islands, DKK 2M for Greenland); grants up to 3 years.

Supports innovative educational projects at Danish Realm universities to enhance students' creative and critical skills in natural, technical, or health sciences.

--- ## Description This grant program aims to fund educational development projects at universities within the Danish Realm (Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland) that enhance and expand methods for training students’ creative and critical skills through research-based activities in science, engineering, and health disciplines. The focus is on supporting projects that align with the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s strategic key themes, including digital development of education, research infrastructure, and upgrading educational content to better prepare students for complex societal challenges. --- ## Due Dates - May 6, 2026: Full application submission deadline (call closes 14:00 CEST / Copenhagen time) --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available: Approx. DKK 45 million for 2026. - Grants can be awarded for up to 3 years. - University-specific maximum quotas: - DTU, KU, AU: DKK 20 million each (up to 7 projects per university) - AAU, SDU: DKK 15 million each (up to 6 projects) - ITU, RUC: DKK 8 million each (up to 3 projects) - University of the Faroe Islands: DKK 5 million (up to 2 projects) - Greenland University: DKK 2 million (up to 1 project) - Joint projects across universities: Up to 5 projects per main applicant university, total joint project budget not exceeding DKK 15 million. - Funding covers direct project costs (salaries, equipment, travel, outreach, etc.), with administrative expenses capped at 5% of the total budget. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be employees engaged in educational developments at a university in the Danish Realm. - Must hold a position as assistant, associate, or full professor with a permanent or tenure-track contract (or secured employment for the project duration, with documentation). - The project must focus on natural, technical, or health science education in alignment with NNF’s strategic key themes. - The primary target group must be bachelor and master’s students in relevant disciplines. - Application must include: - A letter of support from the pro-dean for education or equivalent educational leader for each applicant/co-applicant. - An “expected change model” (using the provided template). - Projects must be anchored at a university in the Danish Realm. - See [full eligibility rules](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/who-we-are/rules-for-eligibility/). --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [NORMA system](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk/). - Two-phase process: 1. **University-level selection:** Each university organizes its own project selection process, ensuring adherence to quotas and guidelines. 2. **External peer review:** After submission, the Novo Nordisk Foundation conducts international peer review and final evaluation. - Required documents: - Application form (in English) - Support letter(s) from educational leadership - Expected change model (max 1 A4 page) - CVs (short, for additional partners) - Only the main applicant can submit the application in NORMA; co-applicants must be invited and complete their sections. - Early submission is recommended due to possible administrative delays (e.g., registering new institutions in NORMA may take up to 5 working days). - See [application guidelines (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/Guidelines_PREPARE_2026.pdf) for full details. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are expected to reach students within the first year of funding. - Areas of support include digital education, research infrastructure, and content upgrades. - Assessment criteria emphasize project quality, impact, feasibility, collaboration, and applicant qualifications. - Notification of results is expected in September 2026; earliest project start date is October 1, 2026, latest September 30, 2027. --- ## External Links - [Grant program page](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/grant/prepare-grants-for-educational-developments-at-universities-2026/) - [Application guidelines (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/Guidelines_PREPARE_2026.pdf) - [NORMA application portal](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk/) - [Eligibility rules](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/who-we-are/rules-for-eligibility/) - [NNF strategic goals](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/who-we-are/goal-and-values/strategy-goals/) - [List of previous recipients](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/projects/prepare-programme/) - [Grant management information](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/how-we-work/what-are-grants/managing-a-grant/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------| | Nadiia Hutrina | Grant Specialist, Management | [ngu@novo.dk](mailto:ngu@novo.dk) | +45 35 27 66 00 | | Stefania Xella | Senior Scientific Manager, Education & Outreach | [stx@novo.dk](mailto:stx@novo.dk) | +45 35 27 66 00 | | General Inquiries| Novo Nordisk Foundation | [info@novonordiskfonden.dk](mailto:info@novonordiskfonden.dk) | +45 35 27 66 00 | For technical support with NORMA: [norma-support@novo.dk](mailto:norma-support@novo.dk) (available 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Copenhagen time) ---

PREPARE – Grants for educational developments at universities 2026

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