Call for
Project Grants for research within Plant Science, Agriculture and Food Biotechnology 2025
Application Deadline:
21 August 2025
About Organisation
The Novo Nordisk Foundation is a leading independent Danish enterprise foundation committed to advancing global health and sustainability. As a non-profit organisation, the foundation derives its funding from ownership of and investments in companies and financial assets. These financial resources are channelled into philanthropic activities and enterprise initiatives that strive to create meaningful and long-term societal impact. The foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting scientific research, humanitarian causes, and innovation-driven projects that benefit people and the planet. Its mission centres on empowering research and development in life sciences, with a strong emphasis on public welfare. The foundation is guided by the principle of generating societal value through strategic partnerships and funding efforts that push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Its philanthropic activities aim to create breakthroughs that can lead to better health, sustainable practices, and robust scientific advancement. With a vision to support transformative initiatives in academia and industry, the foundation promotes high-risk, high-reward research in various scientific domains. Operating with integrity, transparency, and a long-term outlook, the Novo Nordisk Foundation continues to be a key supporter of projects that align with the broader goals of health improvement and environmental sustainability.
About the Grant
The Novo Nordisk Foundation invites applications for its research project grants in the fields of plant science, agriculture, and food biotechnology. The grant aims to support cutting-edge fundamental research that offers strategic solutions to enhance sustainability in agriculture and food systems. Projects should be hosted at universities or non-profit research institutions located in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden.
The proposed research must address critical challenges in sustainable agriculture and food production and aim to go significantly beyond existing knowledge. It should demonstrate scientific ambition, a strategic approach to sustainability, and may include high-risk research with a strong life science foundation.
Priority areas include developing resource-efficient and resilient plants, microbial applications for sustainability, circular agricultural systems, and innovative food ingredients using fungi, algae, cellular agriculture, or precision fermentation. Projects leveraging data science and advanced technologies to support sustainable production are also welcomed.
However, projects focused primarily on livestock, aquaculture, nutrition uptake, pharmaceuticals, or clinical studies are not eligible under this call. The grant supports projects for a period of 1 to 3 years with a maximum funding of DKK 4.3 million for a 3-year project. Funding is distributed annually in equal parts or proportionally for shorter durations.
Who can Apply?
This grant opportunity is open to faculty members and researchers who are leading independent research programs at accredited academic institutions or non-profit research organizations based in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden. Applicants should have a proven track record in plant science, agriculture, or food biotechnology and propose a project that aligns with the foundation’s thematic priorities.
The principal applicant must be affiliated with a university or non-profit research body in the eligible countries and be capable of managing the scientific and administrative responsibilities of the grant. In addition to the main applicant, the proposal may include co-applicants who make substantial scientific contributions to the project and are eligible to receive a share of the funding.
Projects submitted must be rooted in life sciences and focused on advancing sustainability through innovative research. Interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged, provided the research remains grounded in fundamental science.
Applications centred around livestock research, aquaculture, pharmaceutical development, or clinical nutrition are not eligible under this program and should be directed to other relevant Novo Nordisk Foundation committees. The foundation is particularly interested in supporting research with a high-risk profile and a transformative potential that can contribute to long-term environmental and societal benefits.
How to Apply?
Applicants must complete and submit their proposals through the foundation’s designated online portal. All submissions should follow the specific instructions outlined in the “Information and Guidelines for Applicants” document. This includes details on eligibility, budget, co-applicant roles, and technical requirements. Ensure that all documents and required information are uploaded before submission. Only complete and compliant applications will be considered for review.
Application Deadline
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
