The NNF-IAS Fellowship 2026 in Denmark is now accepting applications from outstanding researchers around the world who are eager to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. Supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, this prestigious fellowship brings together talented scholars from diverse academic disciplines to address one of today's most pressing global challenges, Inequity in Health.

The fellowship is jointly hosted by a network of leading Nordic Institutes for Advanced Studies, providing participants with an exceptional research environment that encourages collaboration across countries and disciplines. Researchers will have the opportunity to work with internationally recognized experts while benefiting from generous funding, research resources, and professional development opportunities.

The fellowship lasts 23 months, beginning on 1 September 2027 and ending in July 2029. During this period, fellows will receive a competitive full-time salary, relocation assistance, research funding of up to €20,000, office space, and access to academic conferences, workshops, and training activities.

If you are an early to mid-career researcher looking for a fully funded international fellowship in Europe, the NNF-IAS 

Fellowship 2026 offers an excellent platform to expand your research, build international collaborations, and contribute to meaningful solutions for global health inequalities.

Overview of the NNF-IAS Fellowship 2026

About the NNF-IAS Fellowship Programme

The NNF-IAS Fellowship Programme was established to strengthen research collaboration across the Nordic region while addressing complex global challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.

The first fellowship call focuses on the theme:

Inequity in Health

Health inequalities continue to affect millions of people worldwide. Differences in healthcare access, education, economic status, environmental conditions, and public policies contribute significantly to unequal health outcomes.

The fellowship encourages researchers from different academic backgrounds to work together in developing innovative solutions that promote healthier and more sustainable societies.

Unlike traditional fellowships limited to medical sciences, the NNF-IAS Fellowship welcomes researchers from all academic disciplines, recognizing that addressing health inequities requires expertise from fields such as economics, sociology, environmental science, public policy, data science, law, psychology, engineering, education, and many others.

Host Institutes

The fellowship is hosted by eight Nordic Institutes for Advanced Studies, with four primary partner institutions serving as the main fellowship hosts.

These include:

Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS)

Located in Denmark, AIAS is internationally recognized for supporting interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

Centre for Advanced Study (CAS)

Based in Norway, CAS brings together scholars from multiple disciplines to tackle complex research questions.

Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies (HCAS)

Located in Finland, HCAS supports innovative research through interdisciplinary cooperation and academic freedom.

Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study (SCAS)

SCAS in Sweden has earned a global reputation for fostering world-class scholarship and intellectual exchange.Together, these institutes create a unique Nordic research network where fellows benefit from collaboration beyond their host institution.

Benefits of the NNF-IAS Fellowship

The fellowship offers an outstanding financial and professional support package designed to allow researchers to focus entirely on their research.

Full-Time Salary

Successful fellows receive a competitive full-time salary based on their seniority and experience.This allows participants to dedicate themselves fully to their research without financial concerns.

Relocation Support

Researchers moving to their host country receive relocation assistance, including approved travel expenses.This support makes transitioning to a new country much easier for international fellows.

Research Funding

Each fellow receives a research budget of up to €20,000.This funding may be used for:

• Research materials
• Fieldwork
• Data collection
• Software
• Laboratory expenses
• Publications
• Academic collaborations

Dedicated Office Space

Every fellow receives office space at their hosting institute, providing a productive and collaborative working environment.

Academic Development

Participants gain access to:

• Conferences
• International workshops
• Academic seminars
• Professional training activities
• Networking events

These opportunities help researchers strengthen their academic profile and establish valuable international collaborations.

Nordic Research Network

One of the most unique aspects of the fellowship is affiliation with multiple Nordic Institutes for Advanced Studies.

This provides access to an extensive network of researchers and opens doors for future international collaborations.

Why Apply for the NNF-IAS Fellowship?

The NNF-IAS Fellowship offers much more than financial support.

Researchers become part of an international academic community committed to solving real-world problems.

Key advantages include:

• Fully funded research opportunity
• Competitive salary
• Research funding up to €20,000
• International collaboration
• Interdisciplinary research environment
• Professional development activities
• World-class academic institutions
• Career advancement opportunities
• Strong Nordic research network
• Focus on globally relevant challenges

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship welcomes researchers from around the world.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.

Nationality

Researchers from all countries are eligible to apply.

There are no nationality restrictions.

Academic Background

Applicants may come from any academic discipline, provided their research aligns with the thematic focus of the fellowship.

The programme values interdisciplinary perspectives and encourages applications from diverse research fields.

Post-PhD Experience

Applicants must have:

• Between 2 and 10 years of research experience after completing their PhD.

This requirement makes the fellowship particularly suitable for early and mid-career researchers.

Mobility Requirement

Applicants must satisfy the fellowship's international mobility rule.

They must not have lived or conducted their primary work in their preferred host country for more than 12 months during the two years immediately before the application deadline.This encourages international mobility and strengthens cross-border research collaboration.

Commitment to the Programme

Applicants should:

• Be enthusiastic about interdisciplinary research.
• Be willing to relocate.
• Reside in the host country throughout the fellowship period.
• Participate actively in Nordic research activities.

Research Theme: Inequity in Health

The first call under the NNF-IAS Fellowship Programme centers on Inequity in Health.

Researchers may explore topics such as:

• Global health disparities
• Public health policy
• Social determinants of health
• Climate change and health
• Mental health inequality
• Digital health access
• Healthcare systems
• Health economics
• Health data and AI
• Sustainable healthcare

Interdisciplinary proposals are strongly encouraged.

Fellowship Timeline

Applicants should keep the following important dates in mind.

Submitting your application well before the deadline is recommended to avoid technical issues.

How to Apply for the NNF-IAS Fellowship

The application process is completed entirely online.

Step 1

Access the GrantOne Application System.

Step 2

Create your online applicant profile.

Step 3

Select and prioritize your preferred host institute.

Step 4

Prepare all required documents according to the official Guide for Applicants.

These typically include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Research proposal
• Publication list
• PhD certificate
• Supporting documents

Step 5

Review your application carefully before submission.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NNF-IAS Fellowship?

It is a fully funded interdisciplinary research fellowship supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and hosted by Nordic Institutes for Advanced Studies.

How many fellowships are available?

The first call offers five fellowships, distributed among the four primary partner institutes.

How long is the fellowship?

The programme lasts 23 months, from September 2027 until July 2029.

Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes. Fellows receive a competitive salary, relocation support, research funding of up to €20,000, office space, and access to academic development opportunities.

Can researchers from any country apply?

Yes. The fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities.

What academic fields are eligible?

Researchers from all academic disciplines may apply, provided their work relates to the fellowship's thematic focus.

When is the application deadline?

Applications close on 1 October 2026 at 12:00 noon CEST.

When will successful applicants be notified?

Applicants are expected to receive the outcome of their applications in March 2027.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Competition for the NNF-IAS Fellowship is expected to be high. Applicants can strengthen their chances by:

• Developing a clear and innovative research proposal.
• Demonstrating how their research addresses inequity in health.
• Highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Showcasing publications and research achievements.
• Explaining the value of their chosen host institute.
• Following all application guidelines carefully.
• Submitting the application before the deadline.

A well-structured proposal that aligns closely with the fellowship's objectives can significantly improve the likelihood of success.

Official Website       Apply Now

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