The Novo Nordisk Foundation is offering prestigious postdoctoral fellowships for outstanding young scientists in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology. These fellowships aim to support the development of independent research areas focused on addressing significant challenges within these fields, with a strategic outlook towards scalability and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Focus Areas: Research should address major challenges in Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, with a strategic perspective on scaling potential, sustainability, and productivity.
- Eligibility: Applicants must have obtained a PhD or equivalent within six years of the application deadline or be PhD students defending their thesis before April 1, 2026.
- Geographic Scope: Fellowships are open to researchers based at institutions in Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden, with options for international research stays.
- Funding: Grants range from one to three years, with funding up to DKK 3.3 million (or DKK 3.41 million with a significant international stay).
- Application Deadline: August 21, 2025.
Research Scope and Topics
The fellowships encourage fundamental research with a strategic vision for practical application. Preferred research topics include:
- Utilizing or engineering biological systems for the synthesis and production of valuable products like chemicals, proteins, and materials.
- Developing technologies and processes for direct bioproduction and improving biomanufacturing efficiency.
- Employing biological tools to protect or enhance the environment.
- Understanding, protecting, or manipulating natural or industrial ecosystems through biotechnology.
- Leveraging data science to advance research in industrial or environmental biotechnology and related ecosystems.
Fellowship Details and Funding
Successful candidates will receive funding for their research projects, which can cover salaries, research support, operating expenses, equipment, travel, and publication costs. The grant period can extend from one to three years, with financial support tailored to the project’s duration and scope. A significant research stay abroad may increase the total funding available.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be rigorously evaluated by a dedicated committee. Key assessment criteria include the novelty and originality of the research proposal, its potential impact, the feasibility of the project, the applicant’s past achievements, and their mobility or international experience. Both the scientific merit of the project and the potential of the candidate are central to the selection process.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted in English through the NORMA application system by 14:00 CEST on August 21, 2025. Applicants will be informed of the outcome in December 2025, with the fellowship potentially commencing as early as January 1, 2026.
