Start Package Grants for Faculty Recruitment (Q1 2027)

The Start Package Grants provide funding to Danish universities and research institutions to strengthen competitiveness when recruiting top researchers and to support establishment of independent research groups. Grants are four-year awards intended to accompany offers for tenure-track or time-unlimited faculty positions (assistant, associate, full professor and clinical chair positions with mandatory research responsibilities). Award amounts are tiered by position level and must be used in connection with the candidate’s establishment at the host institution. The grants target research within medical and life sciences, sustainability, natural and technical sciences and interdisciplinary research aligned with the Foundation’s 2030 strategy.

Host institution receives grant funding (see funding_text) to support establishment of the recruited researcher’s independent research group and to leverage recruitment and contract negotiations.

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

Applications must be submitted via the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s NORMA electronic application system following the Application Guidelines; access via the 'Send application' link.