Novo Nordisk Fonden (Novo Nordisk Foundation)

The Novo Nordisk Foundation is an independent Danish foundation with corporate interests. The Foundation has two objectives: to provide a stable basis for the commercial and research activities of the companies in the Novo Group (Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S) to support scientific, humanitarian and social causes. The history of the Foundation dates back to 1922, when Nobel Laureate August Krogh returned home to Denmark from Canada with permission to manufacture insulin in Scandinavia. This was the starting-point for developing world-class diabetes medicine and a Danish business and export venture. It also led to the establishment of several foundations that, many years later, merged into today’s Novo Nordisk Foundation. With Denmark as its centre of gravity, the Foundation’s focus is to improve the lives of people through better health, education and the development of a knowledge-based sustainable society. Through its grant-awarding and commercial activities, the Foundation contributes to society by: Promoting excellent research and innovation Fostering the development of talent across different life stages and scientific fields Developing new medicines and other clinical aids and interventions Developing patient-centred and research-based care and disease prevention Developing innovative products and solutions supporting sustainable development Helping to develop world-class education Creating jobs and growth Supporting organizations, systems and infrastructure to catalyse knowledge-based societal development Helping people in vulnerable groups