The American Society for Nutrition Foundation (ASNF) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF), two philanthropic 501(c)(3) organizations, have joined forces to launch new awards to celebrate excellence in nutrition science and provide critical support to researchers at pivotal stages of their careers.
Scientific awards do more than honor achievements—they propel careers, fuel discovery, and underscore the vital contributions of scientists addressing global public health challenges. These new awards, named in honor of trailblazing Danish scientists Henrik Dam and Flemming Quaade, aim to inspire innovative research in nutrition and foster the next generation of leaders.
These awards debut at an important time with new U.S. federal initiatives fueling increased investments in nutrition science by stakeholders across society and a renewed focus around the globe on the vital role of nutrition in improving health across the lifespan.
The ASNF-NNF Henrik Dam Award for Scientific Discovery in Nutrition
This prestigious award recognizes mid-career professionals (10–25 years post-terminal degree) for outstanding research contributions to the understanding of micronutrients, nutritional status, and/or metabolism. Named after Henrik Dam, the 1943 Nobel laureate who discovered vitamin K, the award celebrates the spirit of scientific discovery and its transformative impact on global health.
Award Details:
A research grant of 1.7 million Danish kroner (DKK) (~$240,000 U.S. dollars, USD)
A personal award of 300,000 DKK (~$42,000 USD)
A 250,000 DKK (~$35,000 USD) grant to support a symposium at the recipient’s home institution
The opportunity to present a plenary lecture at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting NUTRITION 2025 being held May 31 – June 3, 2025, in Orlando, FL. A travel stipend and registration to NUTRITION 2025 are included with the award.
To be eligible, scientists must be 10-25 years post-terminal degree, members of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), and actively engaged in foundational or translational research.
“Henrik Dam won the 1943 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at the age of 48 for a groundbreaking finding relatively early in his career,” stated Sarah Booth, PhD, President, American Society for Nutrition. “Recognizing scientific rigor and discovery at every career stage is crucial for fostering innovation and advancing the field.”
The ASNF-NNF Flemming Quaade Award for Innovative Approaches to Childhood Obesity
This award honors early-career physicians (within 10 years of completing medical postdoctoral training) who have made significant contributions to the prevention or management of childhood obesity. It celebrates the legacy of Flemming Quaade, whose pioneering work in metabolism and weight management transformed obesity treatment. Nominations are welcomed from both ASN members and nonmembers.
Award Details:
A 500,000 DKK (~$70,000 USD) research grant
A travel stipend and registration to NUTRITION 2025 for the ASNF Awards Ceremony
Eligibility and Application Process for both Awards
Nominations submitted on behalf of eligible candidates will be accepted for both awards. Self-nominations are permitted for the ASNF-NNF Flemming Quaade Award for Innovative Approaches to Childhood Obesity. All nationalities and host institutions are eligible for both prizes.
Nominations for both awards will be accepted through the ASN Foundation’s Awards Portal until January 31, 2025. Required materials include:
A completed nomination form
A personal statement outlining the intended use of research funds
A CV
Letters of recommendation
For more details and to submit a nomination, visit nutrition.org/foundation/new-awards/.
Building a Legacy of Innovation
The ASNF is proud to partner with the NNF, which has generously committed funding for these awards for an initial three-year period (2025–2027). These recognitions underscore a shared mission to advance nutrition science, attract and retain top talent, and foster transformative research. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has no influence over award selections.
“Many awards are based on a researcher’s lifetime achievement. With these awards we hope to give more attention to early and mid-career professionals and to ignite fresh ideas and fuel the next waves of innovation within the already growing field of nutritional science and health,” says Arne Astrup, Professor, MD, DMSc, and Senior Vice President of Obesity and Nutrition Science at the Novo Nordisk Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating the achievements of these exceptional scientists at NUTRITION 2025 in Orlando.”
About the American Society for Nutrition Foundation
The American Society for Nutrition Foundation (ASNF) complements and enhances ASN priorities and activities through the dissemination and application of nutrition science and education to improve public health and clinical practice worldwide and advancing the Society’s role as a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness. The ASNF's broad portfolio of activities includes education, awards and scholarships, as well as recognition of lifetime achievement through our renowned Fellows program. The ASNF also raises funds to turn current challenges facing the field into opportunities that support the future. Visit us at nutrition.org/foundation.
About the Novo Nordisk Foundation
Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve people’s health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundation’s mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society. The funds for these philanthropic purposes derive from the foundation's majority ownership in the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and investments in other companies. The investments and assets are managed by the foundation's investment arm Novo Holdings. Visit us at: https://novonordiskfonden.dk/en/
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