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

May 6, 2026 (Full application, 2:00 pm Copenhagen time)

Approx. DKK 45 million total; grants up to 3 years; university and project quotas apply

Supports innovative educational development in science and engineering at Danish universities to enhance students' creative and critical skills through research-based activities.

--- ## Description This grant program aims to advance educational methods and infrastructure in the natural sciences, technical sciences, bioscience, basic biomedicine, and clinical and translational medicine at universities within the Danish Realm. The focus is on empowering teachers and educational leaders to implement innovative ideas that foster students’ creative and critical skills through research activities. Supported projects may include digital development of educational programs, research infrastructure for hands-on learning, and upgrading educational content to address emerging challenges and opportunities in science and engineering education. --- ## Due Dates - May 6, 2026: Full application submission deadline (call closes) — 2:00 pm Copenhagen time --- ## Funding Amount - Approx. DKK 45 million total is available for the 2026 call. - Grants can be awarded for up to three years. - University-specific quotas apply (e.g., DTU, KU, AU: up to DKK 20 million each; AAU, SDU: up to DKK 15 million; smaller quotas for ITU, RUC, Faroe Islands, Greenland). - Joint projects across universities are possible, with a combined quota of up to DKK 15 million per university for such collaborations. - Eligible costs include salaries, operating expenses, infrastructure, equipment, travel, communication, and limited administrative support (max 5% of budget). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be employees engaged in educational development at universities in the Danish Realm. - Eligible positions: assistant, associate, or full professor with a permanent or tenure-track contract, or secured employment for the project’s duration (requires confirmation in the support letter). - The institution must be a university in the Danish Realm with relevant teaching activities in natural, technical, or health sciences. - Projects must target bachelor’s and master’s students in these fields. - Each application must include: - A letter of support from the pro-dean for education or equivalent educational leader at the applicant’s institution (and at co-applicant institutions for joint projects). - An expected change model (using the provided template). - All application materials must be submitted in English. --- ## Application Process - **Phase I: University-Level Selection** - Internal selection process managed by the applicant university, ensuring adherence to university quotas and coordination across faculties. - Only projects endorsed by the university’s educational leadership may proceed to submission. - **Phase II: Peer Review and Foundation Evaluation** - Submitted applications are externally peer-reviewed and evaluated by Novo Nordisk Foundation panels. - Assessment criteria include project quality and novelty, impact, execution and evaluation, collaboration environment, and applicant qualifications. - Applications must be submitted through the [NORMA application system](https://norma.novonordiskfonden.dk/). - Mandatory appendices: support letters, expected change model, and CVs for additional partners. - Only the main applicant can submit the final application; co-applicants must be invited via NORMA. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are expected to reach students within the first year of funding. - Administrative support is capped at 5% of the total budget. - Overhead/indirect costs (e.g., rent, general utilities) are not funded. - Double funding is prohibited; applicants must declare any overlapping funding sources. - For further details, consult the [application guidelines (PDF)](https://novonordiskfonden.dk//app/uploads/Guidelines_PREPARE_2026.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call details and guidelines](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/) - [General rules for grant eligibility](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/who-we-are/rules-for-eligibility/) - [Foundation strategy and key themes](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/who-we-are/goal-and-values/strategy-goals/) - [List of previous grant recipients](https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/projects/prepare-programme/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |----------------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------| | Nadiia Hutrina | Grant Specialist, Grant 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 | | NORMA Support | Technical/application portal queries | [norma-support@novo.dk](mailto:norma-support@novo.dk) | | | General Info | Novo Nordisk Foundation | [info@novonordiskfonden.dk](mailto:info@novonordiskfonden.dk) | +45 35 27 66 00 | Foundation Address: Tuborg Havnevej 19, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark ---

PREPARE – Grants for educational developments at universities 2026

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