International research collaboration supports climate-resilient and healthier soils worldwide
A Novo Nordisk Foundation initiative brings together European researchers to promote cross-border innovation that supports soil health and strengthens long-term resilience in food systems.
Healthy soils are essential to global food production, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Yet around one-third of the world’s agricultural soils are considered degraded, as a result of traditional farming practices and changing climate conditions. As food systems face growing environmental and resource pressures, the need to protect and enhance soil quality is becoming increasingly important.
A Danish model for collaborative innovation
Denmark has long prioritised collaboration as a driver of sustainable development. Across the agrifood sector, universities, research institutions and companies work together to develop solutions that combine environmental responsibility with productivity. This model is supported by strong public-private partnerships and long-term investment in innovation.
Internationally, Danish actors are acknowledged for fostering cross-sector and cross-border cooperation—contributing to knowledge that supports shared goals for climate resilience, sustainable land use and global food security.
Cross-border science to address a shared priority
Reflecting this collaborative ethos, the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Challenge Programme 2026 unites leading researchers from across Europe to address the health and resilience of soils.
The Challenge Programme aims to accelerate the development of science-based solutions that can contribute to more sustainable and climate-adaptive agricultural practices
With a focus on “Harnessing biology for climate-resilient and healthy soils”, the programme provides up to EUR 10 million per grant, with a total budget of EUR 20 million, to support ambitious interdisciplinary projects. Each research consortium must include at least three principal investigators from institutions in different European countries, ensuring broad knowledge exchange.
Projects will explore biologically driven approaches to soil improvements such as microbial ecosystems and plant-microbe interactions—to enhance soil function and reduce environmental impacts. By enabling long-term collaboration, the Challenge Programme exemplifies how international partnerships can deliver scalable solutions that strengthen food system resilience.
Interested in learning more about healthy soils? Watch this Global Food Talk featuring leading voices from the Danish and international agri-food sector: Global Food Talk: Ensuring healthy soils as the foundation of sustainable food for all
Sources: