Novo Nordisk Foundation Celebrates 100 Years by Granting DKK 10 Billion for Global Health and Sustainability Initiatives

Novo Nordisk Foundation Awards Significant Funds for Health and Planet



The Novo Nordisk Foundation has made headlines in 2024, celebrating its 100th anniversary by allocating an unprecedented DKK 10.1 billion (approximately €1.35 billion) to support nearly 1,800 projects dedicated to enhancing public health and fostering sustainability across the globe. This grants program encompasses various initiatives, focusing on crucial areas such as the green transition, innovative technologies, cardiometabolic diseases, and fighting antimicrobial resistance.

According to Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, the CEO of the Foundation, 2024 marked a pivotal year. The organization not only expanded its funding portfolios but also initiated new international collaborations and broadened its geographical reach beyond Denmark. This marks the first year in the Foundation's history that it has granted over DKK 10 billion in philanthropic investments, far surpassing the previous year’s total of DKK 9.1 billion (€1.21 billion).

"It is a tremendous honor to contribute to scientific advancements and innovations that will significantly improve lives and promote a sustainable future. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable support from our partners and grant recipients in this endeavor. By pursuing public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally, we aim to align our efforts with societal necessities," said Thomsen.

Looking forward to 2025, the Novo Nordisk Foundation plans to further enhance its grant-giving capacity, thanks to the continued success of the Novo Group companies and the robust performance of Novo Holdings, its wholly owned investment entity.

Major Initiatives Funded in 2024


Among the significant projects funded in 2024, several noteworthy initiatives stand out:
  • - Global Science Summit: The Foundation hosted its inaugural Global Science Summit just north of Copenhagen, which convened 150 international expertise to deliberate on pressing health and sustainability challenges.
  • - Partnership with Gates Foundation: A global partnership was formed with the Gates Foundation and Wellcome to tackle a range of global health issues effectively.
  • - Launch of AI Supercomputer: Denmark's first AI supercomputer, Gefion, was inaugurated, utilizing NVIDIA technology aimed at accelerating research in various fields, including healthcare and green transition.
  • - Health Professionals Education in Kenya: The launch of the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP) in partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Health aims to enhance education for healthcare workers focused on cardiometabolic diseases.
  • - Regional Office in Kenya: A new office was established in Nairobi to amplify the Foundation's engagement in East Africa.
  • - Stem-Cell Research: The Foundation has integrated regenerative medicine into its strategic objectives, with an emphasis on advancing and applying stem-cell therapies.
  • - Open Competition Grants: Over DKK 2.8 billion (€375 million) was distributed via competitive grants include funding for four projects in nuclear energy research and support for 41 exceptional researchers through the pivotal 2024 Research Leader Program.
  • - Environmental Initiatives: The Foundation committed DKK 10 billion (€1.35 billion) to transform land in Denmark, enhancing biodiversity and facilitating agricultural production through modern techniques, with ongoing funding awarded yearly over a decade.

In addition to these substantial grants, the Foundation has engaged in initiatives designed to empower mental health, such as the generous award of DKK 150 million (€20.1 million) for the Best for Us project, which aims to support children and adolescents impacted by mental health challenges.

The Foundation also announced plans for creating an educational setting for biomanufacturing students in Kalundborg and a major contribution towards sustainability projects improving crop resilience and agroecosystem wellness. All these milestones underscore the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to health and sustainability on a global scale.

Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation aims to improve human health and advocate for societal sustainability through innovative research avenues and impactful partnerships. For further insights, visit their official website at www.novonordiskfonden.dk/en.

Topics Health)

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