The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) is officially inviting young, promising research leaders to apply for its Endocrinology and Metabolism Excellence Emerging Investigator Grants.
This call aims to bolster Nordic research at a high international level by supporting ambitious projects that investigate the human organism and the mechanisms behind health and disease.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s program specifically targets starting group leaders who are ready to establish their own independent teams and conduct innovative research in either basic or clinical settings.
By focusing on these early-career experts, the foundation hopes to drive new knowledge and better treatments for hormonal disorders and cellular energy imbalances.
Funding and benefits
The Novo Nordisk Foundation as set aside a total pool of DKK 50 million (approximately $7.8 million) is available for this grant cycle, with the foundation intending to award up to four grants to researchers of the highest international standard.
At least one of these grants is earmarked for an active clinician researcher to ensure the initiative bridges the gap between laboratory work and patient care.
Successful applicants will receive a significant financial commitment of approximately DKK 2.5 million per year over a five-year grant period.
This brings the total budget for each individual grant to DKK 12.5 million, providing a stable foundation for long-term scientific discovery and leadership development.
Beyond the funding, these grants allow researchers to explore a wide array of subfields, including thyroid function, reproduction, and bone metabolism.
The support extends to various research methodologies, ranging from animal models and cellular systems to clinical practice and in silico analysis.
Application requirement
The call is strictly for early-career principal investigators, such as senior postdocs or assistant professors, who completed their PhD approximately four to eight years ago. Applicants are expected to have a strong track record of high-impact, first-authored, peer-reviewed research papers within their specialized field.
To be eligible, projects must be anchored at a university, hospital, or non-profit research institution located in a Nordic country, specifically Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden.
Furthermore, applicants must ensure that their current annual grant portfolio does not exceed DKK 4 million at the time the project commences.
Eligible research must focus on the human organism within the areas of endocrinology and metabolism, specifically relating to cellular energy homeostasis or endocrine system disorders. Research is not restricted to diabetes; the foundation encourages applications across all relevant subfields of endocrinology.
Deadline
Interested candidates must submit their complete applications through the foundation’s official electronic application system. The selection process includes a rigorous assessment by the Committee on Endocrinology and Metabolism, with final interviews for selected candidates scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Where to apply
To begin the process, visit the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s call page. Explore our global opportunities page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
