The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) is delighted to announce the continuation of the EASO – Novo Nordisk Foundation Obesity Prize for Excellence in 2026, and annually through 2030. This prestigious senior award recognises outstanding research and technological innovation that advances understanding of obesity, including its causes, complications, prevention, and management.
The prize is supported by a grant of 2 million DKK, including a 300,000 DKK personal award to the winner. In addition, the recipient will deliver a special plenary lecture at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO), be honoured at a dedicated reception and dinner with key stakeholders, and return two years later to present the outcomes of research supported by the award grant.
“Obesity affects millions of people and contributes to the development of other noncommunicable conditions such as cardiovascular disease. We’re pleased to continue our support for outstanding research and innovation in the prevention and management of obesity, empowering established and emerging leaders in the field and ultimately benefitting people with or at risk of the condition around the world,” said Flemming Konradsen, Chief Scientific Officer of Health, Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Professor Volkan Yumuk, President of EASO, commenting on the announcement, said
“The Obesity Prize for Excellence is one of the most important awards in our field, recognising the transformative scientific contributions that help us better understand and address obesity. We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2026 and look forward to celebrating another outstanding researcher at ECO, which is in Istanbul next year.”
Prize selection will be based on nomination. The primary criterion is an outstanding scientific contribution to obesity research. Eligible candidates must be employees of universities, hospitals, or other non-profit institutions and be recognised leaders in their field. Nominations are open to researchers of all nationalities. The deadline for nominations is Monday, 15 December 2025.
The New Investigator Awards will also be supported through 2030.
Applications for the EASO-Novo Nordisk Foundation New Investigator Awards in Basic Science, Clinical Research, Childhood Obesity and Public Health (4 separate awards) are also open. Each of these four Awards for early career colleagues is accompanied by a 300.000 DKK research grant. Winners will be supported to attend and speak at a special award session at the 2026 ECO, and will be invited to return to the following ECO to present research undertaken via the award grant.
Nominations and application procedures for both Prize and Awards are available on the EASO website from the 13th October.
The Obesity Prize for Excellence and the New Investigator Awards are delivered in collaboration between EASO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. An independent Assessment Committee convened by EASO will review nominations and select the Prize recipient and award winners. Financial support for the Prize and Awards comes from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.