Novo Nordisk Foundation Pilot Projects

In 2026, NordStruct invites innovative proposals for collaborative research projects under the NNF Research Infrastructure Bridge Platform in two priority areas. Note that these themes may change in 2027.

The first theme focuses on Integrative Structural Biology to bridge distinct molecular fields. Projects must combine at least two structural biology methods for methodological integration. Alternatively, they can integrate one structural biology method directly with cell biology.

The second theme focuses on Macromolecular Dynamics to explore biomolecular movements and their relevance for biological function. This theme targets e.g. the real-time mechanisms, conformational changes, and kinetics of macromolecules.

Both themes aim to foster high-impact partnerships across multidisciplinary structural biology groups.

NordStruct NNF Pilot Projects are easy-to-apply for; applicants must fill in a simple three-page form and submit it along with a budget and a short CV. Applications must be submitted online using this link. 

You will be asked to submit:

• a simple three-page application using this form
• a simple budget using this form 
• a one-page CV for each partner (education history, employment history, research interests, publications)
• for PhD students and Postdocs only: statement of support from their supervisor

There will be one NNF Pilot Project calls per year between 2026 – 2030 which will follow the below timeline.

NordStruct NNF Pilot Projects are open to all researchers at all NordStruct partner organisations. 

Each application must be co-submitted by at least two NordStruct scientists employed at different NordStruct partner organisations. Applications are welcome from Principal Investigators, Facility Managers, Postdoctoral Researchers and late-stage PhD students. 

It is a condition of NordStruct NNF Pilot Projects that recipients must physically visit and undertake experiments at NordStruct research infrastructures. This includes all facilities located at all 28 NordStruct partners which are relevant for structural biology. 

Combined, these partner institutions host world-leading facililties for the full range of techniques and methods required to conduct structural biology research. The breadth of infrastructures covered includes X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fluorescence light microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy,  small-angle X-ray scattering, neutron scattering and diffraction, single molecule methods including optical tweezers and Förster resonance energy transfer, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, as well as computational infrastructures. 

The NordStruct NNF Pilot Projects thereby make it possible for Nordstruct scientists to access the full toolbox necessary for conducting cutting edge structural biology.

Click here to see list of NordStruct partner institutions

If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply, please contact Lucy Holt (lucy.holt@bio.ku.dk) to check eligibility.

Below you can read more about the selection criteria for the NordStruct NNF Pilot Project application. We suggest that you address these points in your application form.

1. True scientific collaboration

Proposals must clearly demonstrate true collaboration between scientists based at two NordStruct partners. Priority will be given to new collaborations.

2. Relevance to frontier scientific theme

Applicants must describe the intent of their NordStruct NNF Pilot Project and explain its relevance to at least one of the frontier scientific themes: Integrative Structural Biology and Macromolecular Dynamics.

3. Expected outcome of the visit

Applicants must detail how the NordStruct NNF Pilot Project will (a) contribute to ongoing scientific research, (b) strengthen training and future career prospects for junior researchers, and/or (c) advance methodological and technical knowledge.

4. Scientific excellence, synergy and novelty

Applications will be assessed for their potential to make meaningful scientific advances within each frontier theme through the adoption of synergistic and novel approaches.

5. Cross-border collaboration

Applications involving cross-border access are strongly encouraged and will be prioritized. Cross-border access refers to visits to infrastructures located in a different Nordic country than the applicant’s home institution. Such collaborations strengthen connectivity between infrastructures and research groups across the Nordic region.

6. Feasibility of the proposed project

The scientific, practical, and financial feasibility of the project will be evaluated. Where applicable, the project application should contain adequate evidence that the sample is of sufficient quality to merit data collection at the NordStruct facility. This can include, for example proof of successful protein/protein complex purification (PAGE, gel filtration, mass-spectrometry results), initial NMR spectra, preliminary microscopy data (negative stain or cryo-EM screening images or 2D classes).

A A NordStruct NNF Pilot Project can cover a maximum of 50.000 DKK expenses related to:

• travel costs such as air fare, or train tickets, and accommodation
• facility user expenses such as access fees and bench fees
• experimental consumables such as cryo-EM grids, NMR tubes, crystallization plates, etc. 

Expense details must be listed in the application budget. N.B.: Expenses usually covered by yourself cannot be reimbursed e.g., insurance and daily transport. Further, salary and per diems cannot be covered.

Reimbursement of expenses will take place after the project end-date as an expense claim (if reimbursement is not feasible and an exception is needed, a collaboration agreement can be arranged). A form for reimbursement will be distributed by the University of Copenhagen and this must be submitted to the University of Copenhagen within three months of the completion of the pilot project. Only expenses with digital copies of expense receipts will be reimbursed. Thus, all receipts for the reimbursable expenses must be kept and uploaded when making the reimbursements. For travel reimbursmenets, please keep a photo of boarding passes and train tickets (a screenshot is fine).

For the financial report, we will require an itemised list of expenses along with supporting documentation, which will be handled by a financial team at the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen. Grants will be reimbursed after completion and will be dependent on provision of original invoices and receipts. 

For the scientific report, we will require a 500-word summary in addition to a LinkedIn feature presenting the project and citing Novo Nordisk Foundation and NordStruct. 

Proper acknowledgement of the funding provided through NordStruct by Novo Nordisk Foundation is expected in scientific publications when results of NordStruct NNF Pilot Projects are included.