UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award 2026

Celebrating innovative early career researchers at UCPH

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND) will present the UCPH:BII Life Science Innovation Award 2026 to celebrate the innovative minds and entrepreneurial spirit of early-career life science researchers at the University of Copenhagen. A selection committee will choose three nominees, who will have the opportunity to present the results of their research projects at SUND Innovation Day on 5 October 2026.

Who can nominate their project

PhD students, post docs or assistant professors (adjunkt) from UCPH working within the field of life science. Applicants must have a prominent role in the development of the ongoing research project described in their application. Applicants must be able to present data generated in the research project and how these results may lead to innovation and/or impact.

How and when to apply

You can nominate your project no later than 25 August 2026 by filling out the form below.

Your application must describe an ongoing research project that 

  • addresses an unmet need and has a clear societal impact
  • challenges existing paradigms by employing novel and innovative methodologies or concepts, and/or by pursuing an original question
  • is scientifically credible and has a plan for further commercialization.
  • has reached a stage where results have been achieved and research data can be presented.

A signed approval letter from a supervisor or group leader must be uploaded with the application.

Timeline 2026

  • Application deadline: 25 August
  • Answer to applicants: By 23 September
  • Pitch training for nominees (voluntary): 28 September
  • Announcement of winners and celebration: 5 October at SUND Innovation Day 2026

Prizes

The three winning research projects will be awarded prizes to support their future development. The prizes are generously sponsored by the BioInnovation Institute (BII). 

  • 1st prize: 25.000 DKK
  • 2nd prize: 15.000 DKK
  • 3rd prize: 10.000 DKK

Evaluation criteria

  • Quality: The project and the data are reliable, valid, credible, and scientifically rigorous. Moreover, the candidate can communicate the project and its results (data) clearly and convincingly.
  • Impact: The work should address an unmet need and have a clear societal impact. The work should challenge existing paradigms, employ innovative methodologies or concepts, and/or pursue an original question.
  • Feasibility: The proposed plan for further commercialization and/or generation of impact is well-thought-out, relevant, and convincing.

Selection commitee

  • Kristian Strømgaard (chair), Professor at UCPH
  • Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, Clinical Professor at UCPH
  • Zach Gerhart-Hines, Associate Professor at UCPH
  • Lene Gerlach, Venture Partner at Hadean Ventures
  • Johanna Roostalu, Director of Human Health, Venture Creation, BII

Fill out this form to submit your project

Fields marked with * are required.

This section should be completed if more than one person is writing the application. All individuals must have a significant role in the project.
This box is to be filled, if you are more than one person writing the application. All persons must have a prominent role on the project.
Provide a clear and convincing description of your research project, the scientific background and stage of the project. 400 words.
Describe your role and main contributions to the research project.
Describe the societal and commercial impact: How the project addresses an unmet need and has a clear societal impact. How it challenges existing paradigms or employs innovative methodologies/concepts, and/or pursues an original question. What innovative results have been achieved. 300 words.
300 words.
Gennemse Upload CV. If there are more persons applying, please combine the CV's in a PDF.