About the 2026 Challenge Programme
The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s 2026 Challenge Programme aims to address major challenges in science and society. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among European researchers, the programme seeks to leverage new technologies and scientific advances to create innovative solutions. The programme encompasses four themes, each focusing on a critical area of research. The Challenge Programme provides grants of up to DKK 75 million per project and a total of 150 million within each theme, encouraging ambitious and impactful research endeavours.
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.
About the Webinar
Interested in learning about this 2026 Challenge Programme theme?
This webinar will cover information on the Challenge Programme eligibility and application process as well as specific information about the 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.
Agenda
13:00-13:10: Introduction to the 2026 Challenge programme and theme
13:10-13:20: Eligibility and application process
13:20-14:00: Q&A
Call information and Guidelines for Applicants can be found here: CHALLENGE PROGRAMME 2026 – Biological systems under non-equilibrium conditions – Novo Nordisk Fonden
We are hosting a Challenge 2026 workshop (hybrid) for this theme on 28 August. For information and sign up: 2026 Challenge Programme Theme: Biological Systems Under Non-Equilibrium Conditions – Novo Nordisk Fonden
Further information
Kamilla Nørregaard
Senior Scientific Manager
[email protected]
