Purpose

The purpose of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Sustain Programme is to encourage the scientific use of existing data, specifically for cardiometabolic disease (CMD) research, through a funding mechanism that supports both the custodians of the databases and the researchers who use the data. The goal is to sustain high-quality health databases, encourage custodians to make data accessible, and ultimately advance understanding, prevention, and treatment of CMD. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This part (Part 1) of the Sustain Programme will be managed outside of NNF’s grant management system, NORMA. Therefore, the database custodians should use this electronic form for their application;
• Create the budget using the template provided;
• Please refer to the FAQ below, which has been developed on the basis of the questions received during the Sustain Webinar on 28 May (see Slides from Webinar). Another webinar will be scheduled in Q4.

NOTE: Databases do not need to have a specific focus in CMD but must contain data useful for CMD-related research. 

In this context, databases are defined as any datasets and the infrastructure around them. Funding can be used for hardware, skilled personnel for data-related services, and efforts that promote secure, ethical, and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data practices. It does not support the creation of new datasets. 

Eligibility

The general eligibility criteria for database selection are listed below. All databases that fulfill them will be shortlisted. For detailed eligibility information, please refer to the guidelines. Briefly:

• The applicant (database custodian) must be employed at a university, hospital or other non-profit research institution in Denmark. The applicant’s hosting institution will receive and administer the grant. 
• The data and infrastructure support applied for must be anchored at a university, hospital or other non-profit research institution in Denmark. 
• A hosting letter signed by the head of the department must be included with the application. 
• The database must contain data which may be used for research related to CMD but does not need to have a specific focus on CMD-specific indicators. 
• The database must adhere to basic requirements for the application of the FAIR principles (detailed and highlighted in the application form). 
• Documents related to the ethical approval, when applicable, for the database must be included with the application. 
• It is a requirement that the database custodian has a planned budget (please use this template: budget template). 
• The applicant must be guaranteed their own salary for the entire applied project period. 
• Applicants may submit only one application as a database custodian. 

Application process 

The application process comprises Part 1 and Part 2, as described below. (Please find more details in the guidelines). 

• Part 1 is dedicated to database custodians only. Database custodians must complete and submit the application form provided in the link “Send Application”. 
• Part 2 is dedicated to researchers only. An open call for research applicants will open in Q4 2024 (estimate). 

Please read “Information and guidelines for database custodians’ applications” carefully before initiating the application process. The guidelines provide essential information on the call and the application content and process. 

Briefly, the application process will follow these steps: 

• Part1 (for database custodians): application, webinar for Q&A session, evaluation, notification of shortlisted databases. 
• Part2 (for researchers) (to be announced in Q4 2024): application, webinar for Q&A session, project assessment by matched database custodian, external evaluation, notification of granting to paired database and research proposal. 

NOTE: Applicants are encouraged to apply early and are welcome to consult us during the application process, so we can provide support in addressing specific concerns of their databases before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Sustain Programme?

The Sustain Programme is a new exploratory initiative designed to support databases by providing funding to maintain and enrich its data, while making them accessible, usable and attractive to other researchers. The Sustain Programme consist of two parts: Part 1 is for the data custodians, where they apply to be shortlisted in Part 2, which is an open call for researchers.

2. What is the funding structure of the programme and who can apply?

The programme is divided into two steps:

• Part I: Database custodians apply to submit their databases for eligibility. Part I is currently open for applications until 29 August 2024.
• Part II: Researchers apply to use databases of their choosing for their research projects. Funding to the database is then allocated based on the number of projects associated with it, up to a maximum of DKK 12 million for three projects. Part II call will open in Q4 2024.

Specific Eligibility and Application Questions

3. Database custodians are usually also researchers. Can a person be both a database custodian and a researcher applying for funding?

Yes, as long as the database custodian’s research proposal (in Part II) does not involve working with their own database. Individuals who are database custodians applying in Part I cannot apply as researchers in Part II for funding related to the database they manage.

4. Can a database still be growing in terms of data collection to be eligible for the shortlist?

Yes. Databases that are actively collecting data are eligible and encouraged to apply in Part 1.

5. If my database is associated with biobank(s), is it eligible to apply for the programme?

Yes.

6. Can the database include data from multiple sources or linked register data?

Yes. Databases can be composed of linked data from multiple registers. Moreover, the specifics of such configurations should be clarified in the application form.

7. What are the FAIR principles in relation to data eligibility?

Databases should exemplify the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). In contrast to a variety of practices of specific databases, the FAIR principles differ in that they describe concise, basic principles that can be applied to a wide range of data. Hence, the Sustain Programme requires a database to meet a few basic compliance criteria to be eligible. Specific criteria for these principles are detailed in the application guidelines.

8. Should my database, in its current status, comply to all recommendations from the FAIR principles in order to be eligible for Sustain?

No. As mentioned above, there are only a few eligibility criteria that your database is required to meet in order to apply for Sustain. As a general rule of thumb, provided that you already make use of your data, you are already likely to meet those eligibility criteria.

9. What defines a database for the purposes of this programme?

A database is defined as any dataset and its supporting infrastructure that allows for data collection, management, and efforts promoting fair principles. This definition is intended to be broad to encompass various types of data setups (e.g. including, but not limited to, biometric, omics, imaging, laboratory result, wearable device, health records, animal model data).

10. Are non-cardiometabolic disease (CMD) databases eligible to apply?

Yes. Databases do not need to have a specific focus on CMD-specific indicators, but must contain data which may be used for research related to CMD.

11. Is it required that all data in the database be accessible to all for a database to be eligible?

No. Not all data needs to be accessible; however, it is important that the portion of the data that is intended to be accessible by other researchers must comply to the eligibility criteria of the Sustain Programme.

Funding and Financial Questions

12.How is the funding for database distributed?

The funding amount for the database will correspond to the number of matched research projects funded, to a max of 3 projects. For example, if only one project is funded, the database will receive funding for one project only. More information about grant amount can be found in the application guidelines.

13. Can funding cover new research conducted by the database custodian?

Funding for the database custodian is intended for the improvement, maintenance and use of the database. Furthermore, if the database custodian’s research aims to leverage the data content and strengthen compliance with the FAIR principles, the funding can be used for this. Please refer to the guidelines for eligible budget posts.

14. Do I need a research project when submitting my application to Sustain Programme?

No. The application is solely based on your database. The only documentation required is that associated with your database, to ensure that your data complies with ethical requirements of use of data.

Role and Conflict of Interest Questions

15. If a database is co-managed by multiple custodians (co-custodian), can one custodian apply as a researcher in Part II of Sustain to use their own database?

No. Co-custodians of a database cannot apply as researchers in Part II for projects related to their own database. This is to maintain fairness and avoid conflicts of interest. Custodians and co-custodians are however encouraged to apply as researchers in Part II to use other databases.
Here, it is important to highlight that the purpose of Sustain is to encourage custodians to make their data accessible and attractive to a broad research community.

16. If a co-custodian is unable to apply with a research proposal in Part II to use their own data, what is the advantage of being a co-custodian in Part I?

The purpose of asking whether a database has co-custodian(s) is to provide an opportunity to applicants to acknowledge others who collaborate in creating and maintaining that database and whose agreement to apply as a database custodian should be sought. From NNF’s side, it is of no consequence whether someone is listed as a co-custodian.

Miscellaneous Questions

17. Will there be another NNF Sustain call next year?

The recurrence of the programme is not guaranteed and will depend on the success and impact of the current call. Therefore, we encourage you to share the Sustain Programme call within and outside your network.

18. The application form mentions “database custodian” and “hosting institution”. What is the difference between the two in the context of this call?

A database custodian is typically responsible for the management and oversight of the database, including tasks such as data entry, data maintenance, and data quality. The hosting institution usually provides the infrastructure necessary for the storage, retrieval, and management of the database, as well as holding the legal ownership of the data. The grant will be given to the institution – not to an individual.