On Thursday, 28 August 2025, the Novo Nordisk Foundation will host a workshop to foster research partnerships and initiate innovative solutions addressing this 2026 Challenge Programme theme: Biological systems under non-equilibrium conditions.

The challenge is to uncover the mechanisms that drive development, function and self-organisation of biological systems under non-equilibrium conditions. The outcomes of this Challenge will improve our understanding and prediction of complex systems under physiological conditions. Implications span from single biomolecules to the organism level, with potential applications in accelerated drug development, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and sustainable biotechnology.

Who can apply for the Challenge 2026 programme: Independent tenured/tenure-track researcher with their own research group, employed at a European (European Union, Schengen Area plus United Kingdom) university, hospital, or non-profit research organisation.

The purpose of the workshop is to bring together the research community for a day of knowledge sharing and networking. Along with an exciting combination of invited and contributed talks, the workshop will feature breakout sessions where participants can discuss the theme and form new collaborations.

Deadline for abstract submission: 1 August 2025

Deadline for registration: 19 August 2025

The workshop will be conducted as a hybrid event, allowing for both online and in-person attendance. Please note that online presentations will not be possible, however we will offer online networking breakouts. Please sign up for the online networking breakout when you register. A link for the session will be shared before the meeting.

It is also possible to attend an online webinar covering this Challenge Programme theme and the application process on 12 June 2025.

Call information and Guidelines for Applicants can be found here: CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2026 – Biological systems under non-equilibrium conditions – Novo Nordisk Fonden