EASO – Novo Nordisk Foundation Obesity Prize for Excellence 2027

We are pleased to announce the EASO – Novo Nordisk Foundation Obesity Prize for Excellence, an award that recognises outstanding research or technological contributions to the understanding of obesity, its etiology, complications, prevention, and treatment.  The prize is supported by a grant of 2 million DKK, of which 300,000 DKK is a personal grant to the winner.

Please note that the grant is intended for new research and is not intended to top-up existing research projects. Self-nominations will not be considered, and previous EASO – NNF Obesity Prize for Excellence winners are not eligible.

The grant includes

  • • A feature plenary lecture at the EASO annual European Congress on Obesity (ECO)
    • A reception and dinner for the winner and key stakeholders at the ECO
    • An invitation for the winner to return to the ECO 2 years after the Prize award to present research undertaken via the award grant

The Prize will be awarded based on nomination and the following selection criteria, recognising an individual who has made an exceptional scientific contribution to obesity research, substantially advancing the understanding, prevention or management of obesity.

The nominee’s contribution should be substantively and directly concerned with obesity. Excellence in an adjacent field, including research relevant to obesity, will not in itself be sufficient unless the work has made a significant and identifiable contribution to obesity research.

In assessing the nominee’s contribution, the selection panel will consider:

  • the originality, quality and significance of the scientific contribution to obesity research
  • the extent to which the work has advanced knowledge or influenced the direction of the obesity field
  • evidence of scientific, clinical or wider impact, recognising that impact will differ according to the nature of the research and may include changes in scientific understanding, subsequent research, clinical practice, prevention, management, policy or health services
  • evidence of sustained scientific leadership and contribution to the development of the obesity research field, including, where relevant, mentorship and development of other researchers and
  • meaningful involvement of people living with obesity, citizens and or other relevant stakeholders, where appropriate to the nature and context of the research

Only employees of universities, hospitals or other non-profit institutions will be considered.

Candidates must have an established international reputation for excellence in their field, and can be of any nationality.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Monday 14 December (23.59 GMT) 2026.

The Obesity Prize for Excellence and New Investigator Awards are a collaboration between the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF). EASO has established an independent Assessment Committee to review nominations and elect successful candidates.  Financial support for the prize and awards comes from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Further Application Information

  • Only online applications will be accepted and self nominations will not be considered
  • When completing your application, it is expected that person-first language is used – Read the Person First Language Guide.
  • EASO is using the Reviewr Platform for the submission process. Once you have created a profile and logged in, the platform will allow you to edit, save and review your application as many times as you wish

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has provided support to the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) for Early Career Network development activities. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has had no influence over award selection or meeting agendas.