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.
Harnessing biology for climate-resilient and healthy soils.
The challenge is to prevent further soil degradation and enable the regeneration of healthy soils as a vital natural resource by deepening our fundamental understanding of how biological factors influence and interact with physiochemical and other properties of soil. Research outcomes will provide the scientific foundation for developing biotechnology- or nature-based solutions. The research should generate fundamental mechanistic insights that can inform solution development and guide future innovations. The programme is aimed at fundamental research merging technical and/or ecological sciences with agronomy and/or soil science to understand how biological processes can improve soil health.
Interested in finding out more about the Challenge Programme 2026? Sign up to the informational webinar on June 3, 14.30 CET by following the link on this page. During the webinar, you will be able to find out more information on the scientific scope of the call, as well as the eligibility and application process.
Agenda
- Brief intro to NNF Strategy 2030
- Challenge Programme 2026 – Harnessing biology for climate-resilient and healthy soils
- Q&A
Further information
Jeremy A. Daniel,
Senior Scientific Manager
[email protected]
Beatriz Domínguez Guerrero,
Grant Manager
[email protected]
