Start Package Grants - for faculty recruitment Q4 2026

The Start Package Grant provides funding to Danish universities or other research institutions to strengthen competitiveness when recruiting top researchers and to support establishment of an independent research group. Grants are awarded for a 4-year period and vary by the academic level of the recruited candidate. The scheme supports recruitment within medical sciences, life sciences, sustainability, and natural and technical sciences that align with the Foundation’s 2030 strategy.

Multi-year funding to the host institution to be used for establishing the recruited candidate’s independent research group; amounts vary by academic level (see funding_text).

Danish universities or other research institutions may apply to support recruitment of researchers of any nationality; consult the guidelines for detailed eligibility requirements concerning the recruiting institution, position and candidate.

Applications must be completed and submitted using the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s electronic application system NORMA; applicants should read the Application Guidelines before applying.