Start Package Grants – For faculty recruitment Q3 2026
This grant supports Danish institutions in recruiting leading researchers to establish independent groups in medical, life, technical, and sustainability sciences.
Funder: Novo Nordisk Foundation
Due Dates: June 25, 2026: Full application submission deadline (Call closes 25 June 2026 14:00 CET)
Funding Amounts: Up to DKK 5M (assistant professor), DKK 8M (associate professor), or DKK 10M (full/clinical professor) per grant over 4 years; total call budget DKK 120M.
Summary: Supports Danish institutions in recruiting leading researchers to establish independent groups in medical, life, technical, and sustainability sciences.
Key Information: Application must be submitted by the person with appointment authority at a Danish institution; mobility and career progression requirements apply.
Description
This program aims to help Danish universities and research institutions attract top international and domestic researchers by providing substantial start-up funding for newly recruited faculty. The grant supports the establishment of independent research groups in fields aligned with the Novo Nordisk Foundation's 2030 Strategy, including medical sciences, life sciences, sustainability, and natural and technical sciences. The funding is intended to be a competitive tool for institutions during recruitment and contract negotiations, particularly for candidates relocating to Denmark or transitioning from industry to academia.
