Purpose
The Challenge Programme aims to contribute substantially to the development of Danish and European research ecosystems within research areas of strategic priority to the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The goal is to develop innovative solutions to major scientific challenges, supporting leading researchers to form a consortium united by a clear vision and mission.
The Programme provides funding to enable scientific depth and focus and facilitate synergy between the research partners.
The grants awarded within the Challenge Programme will broadly fit within the Novo Nordisk Foundation Strategy.
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Research Theme 2026
The programme is a strategic effort targeting specific challenges within annually selected research themes. For the 2026 application call, the Challenge Programme is seeking to support the following research theme:
- Modelling of Human Cardiometabolic Disease
Current preclinical animal and human cardiometabolic disease (CMD) models have limitations hampering the translation of preclinical findings to a human setting. However, promising scientific advances within e.g. single-cell and spatial omics, stem cell technology, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiation protocols have improved our understanding of tissue organization and facilitated novel tissue engineering techniques, enabling the development of organoids and organ-on-a-chip models. Additionally, novel gene-editing tools allow for precise replication of genetic variation and disease susceptibility, and the use of patient-derived cells and tissues can create personalised models that better predict individual response to therapies. Moreover, increased computational power and AI algorithms enable the integration of multi-omics data with advanced computational models, which can be used to develop in silico disease models, such as so-called digital twins. That aside, existing deployment of emerging model systems is also hampered by high costs and technical challenges that limit the ability to conduct long-term studies essential for understanding chronic diseases. Enhancing the validity and cost-efficiency of novel disease models is crucial to overcome these constraints.
The Challenge is to develop one or more novel human CMD model(s), preclinical, clinical, computational or a combination hereof, with sufficient characterisation and validation to demonstrate that the model(s) reflects the intricate mechanisms and multifactorial nature of these conditions better than current models. Specifically, model validation should include testing of predefined CMD drugs to ensure improved translation of basic research findings into the clinic. Also, the ideal disease model(s) considers the diversity of the human population to enhance the understanding of how genetic backgrounds, including factors like ethnicity and sex differences, contribute to disease.
Supported research may include but is not limited to:
- In vitro or ex vivo models, such as co-cultures, micro-physiological systems, organoids or organ-on-a-chip models, which allow for precise control of the experimental environment and can mimic the complex interactions within human tissues. Also, the use of patient-derived cells (e.g. iPSCs) for such models or considering key environmental factors could increase the fidelity.
- While ethical and economic considerations call for a reduction in the utilisation of animals in research, more sophisticated animal models may be relevant. Specifically, humanised models, where animals are genetically modified to carry human genes, tissues, or cells to provide more accurate insights into human disease mechanisms and responses to therapies provide new opportunities.
- Computational models where AI and machine learning will play a crucial role in analysing complex datasets generated from CMD patients or disease models to identify patterns and predict disease progression.
