Purpose
NNF Laureate Research Grant is for recruitment or retainment of an outstanding established biomedical researcher to come to Denmark from abroad or stay in Denmark to further expand their research. The grant should also facilitate collaboration across scientific and geographic borders, thereby strengthening the Danish biomedical research environment to meet societal challenges.
Please note that this call practices gender equality, therefore all genders are encouraged to apply.
Applicants within the biotechnological area are referred to RECRUIT – Grants for International recruitment
Eligibility
The candidate:
- must be a principal investigator with an independent research program that they have directed for 7 or more years in total.
- must, if awarded a Laureate Research Grant, work on-site at the Danish host institution equivalent to at least 75 % of a fulltime position.
- clinicians must, if awarded a Laureate Research Grant, work on-site at the Danish host institution equivalent to at least 75 % of a fulltime position, i.e., clinical commitments must be reduced to 25% of a fulltime position.
- must, if awarded a Laureate Research Grant, have fully established their principal research group in Denmark within two years of starting the grant.
- may have any nationality.
- may not be a member of a NNF expert review committee or an employee within the Novo Group of companies
- may not hold a permanent position (a position with no predetermined end date) at a Danish university or not-for-profit research institution.
Funding
One grant up to DKK 60 million (EUR ~8 M, USD ~93 M) for a period of 7 years.
Application process
Evaluation of applications and selection of grant awardees will be based on the scientific excellence of both the investigator and the proposed research program and their benefits to the Danish research ecosystem.
The evaluation process consists of three stages:
Stage I: The Laureate candidate should submit the initial application, including Letters of support from the Danish host institution (application deadline 30 October 2025). Applications must be completed following the instructions in the “Guidelines for applicants”. Additional essential information regarding eligibility, funding and the application process is found in this document.
Stage II: Up to three candidates are invited to submit a full research proposal (application deadline 5 February 2026), which is sent for external peer review. The Stage II application must be completed and submitted using the NNF’s application system following the instructions in the “Information and guidelines for applicants”.
Stage III: All candidates who successfully submit a full research proposal are invited for an on-site interview in March 2026.
