DTU Biosustain

👏 Big congratulations to our Chief Science Officer (CSO) and Chief Partnerships Officer (CPO), Dina Petranovic PhD EMBA at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain), on her new additional role as Senior Executive Advisor to the Provost of DTU - Technical University of Denmark, Christine Nellemann.👏 In this new capacity, Dina will bring her deep expertise and extensive international networks to support DTU’s leadership in strengthening relationships with strategic partners, collaborators, and donors. Dina says: "I am very much looking forward to bringing my expertise and networks to help the leadership fulfill DTU’s important strategy—to drive sustainable change through technology and innovation. It will also be a pleasure to collaborate even more closely with Christine and the team, whom I have known for several years through many projects we collaborated on." Christine Nellemann, DTU's Provost, warmly welcomes Dina to the new role: "Dina’s experience and strategic mindset make her an invaluable asset to DTU. Her ability to connect talented people and ideas will be instrumental as we work toward a more sustainable future through cutting-edge science and strong partnerships. I am very happy to work with her and look forward to what we will accomplish together.” #sustainability #leadership #technology #greentransition      

Plant-based meat is not winning over meat lovers yet- but we are working on a solution! Plant-based meat has long been celebrated as the future of sustainable eating—a promising alternative to the environmental toll of livestock farming. But here’s the reality: it currently occupies only 1.3% of the global meat retail market. The biggest roadblock? Taste and texture. Despite impressive advances in plant-based innovation, many consumers still find these alternatives lacking. While flavors can be enhanced using heme or other additives, the texture often feels… off. Because unlike animal meat, plant proteins don’t naturally replicate the fibrous structure, tenderness, or juiciness that make conventional meat appealing to many. But what if we could change that? At the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain), we are now working on a solution. Led by Scientific Lead Lei Yang and Senior Researcher Sumesh Sukumara, a new project funded by the Novo Nordisk foundation is leveraging precision fermentation to reimagine plant-based meat. “Creating the perfect texture is the ultimate challenge for plant-based meat,” says Lei Yang. “But through precision fermentation, we can replicate the fibrous proteins found in animal muscle—like collagen—to deliver an eating experience that doesn’t just match traditional meat but could potentially surpass it.” This innovative approach focuses on producing microbially derived proteins that mimic the properties of animal proteins. These fibrous proteins are essential to achieving the chewiness, tenderness and cohesiveness that define the sensory appeal of meat. By integrating these proteins into plant-based products, the aim is to create alternatives that don’t just look or taste like meat but feel like it too. Group Leader and Senior Researcher Sumesh Sukumara emphasizes the broader sustainability significance of this work: “Precision fermentation opens up new possibilities to design an environmentally sustainable alternative, however its affordability has been in question. The solution will be optimized with in-line Techno-economic and environmental life cycle impact assessments.” #sustainability #biotechnology #food #precisionfermentation #biobasedfuture Novo Nordisk Foundation DTU - Technical University of Denmark

📣 Executive opportunity: Lead innovation in biotechnology for sustainable impact and the green transition DTU - Technical University of Denmark invites an extraordinary leader to take charge of a groundbreaking opportunity: to shape the future of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition (NNF BRIGHT). Situated at the heart of Denmark’s world-renowned innovation ecosystem at Campus of DTU, NNF BRIGHT is uniquely placed to address and tackle one of the most urgent challenges of our time—the climate crisis. With 20 million EUR in annual core funding, over 300 talented researchers, and state-of-the-art facilities, this research center is primed to deliver scalable solutions that turn visionary science into transformative global impact. This is more than a leadership role—it’s your chance to steer a world-leading research center at the forefront of the green transition: ✅ Set the agenda: Define and implement NNF BRIGHT’s strategic vision, ensuring groundbreaking research translates into measurable sustainability outcomes. ✅ Champion innovation: Drive high-impact research missions, forge global partnerships, and position the research center as a pioneer in industrial biotechnology ✅ Foster excellence: Cultivate a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration, empowering a diverse team to deliver mission-based results that set new standards. ✅ Engage globally: Represent NNF BRIGHT on the international stage, working with academia, industry, and policymakers to advance impactful solutions. With the green transition gaining momentum, #biotechnology has the power to revolutionize industries, influence policy, and create a sustainable bioeconomy. At NNF BRIGHT, you’ll have the tools, talent, and platform to drive this transformation and leave a legacy of global significance.🌍 Who we’re looking for We’re seeking a leader who combines strategic vision with scientific excellence:   ✅ Proven leadership: A history of leading large-scale, international research organizations with proven scientific and societal impact. ✅ Visionary thinking: Expertise in defining ambitious goals and fostering collaborations that drive real-world results. ✅Global perspective: A skilled network builder with strong connections across academia, industry and government. ✅ Sustainability champion: Passionate about addressing climate challenges through innovative and scalable biotechnological solutions. Seize this rare opportunity The moment is now. NNF BRIGHT offers unparalleled resources (> 140Mio EUR for 2025-31 with an option for extension) and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to influence the future of industrial biotechnology. Application deadline: February 2, 2025 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/dcbqEKKh Novo Nordisk Foundation #greentransition #sustainability

🌏 Important message from our CCO, Dr. Andreas Worberg:

Wanna discover a mathematically proven way to become happy? Yes that´s right. Science can teach us how to live. Take a look at our postdoctoral researcher Sam Bradley’s T-shirt: “Avoid Negativity” – expressed beautifully through the mathematical equation: f(x)=∣x∣. In math, this equation describes the absolute value function. It takes any number and makes it positive. It doesn’t matter if the input is positive or negative—the result is always positive. This can teach us an important life lesson: while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. A negative experience—whether it’s a failure, a setback, or a tough challenge—doesn’t have to define us. We have the power to transform it into something meaningful. At The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain), we strive to create solutions for a sustainable future. But beyond the lab, science can inspire us to be more optimistic and resilient. Here´s how you can apply the equation (in science as in life): - You failed at something big: Failure is good- it´s a sign you are innovating and the price of all invention. Every failure teaches you something new, moves you forward, and builds the foundation for breakthroughs that others thought were impossible. - You got rejected: Rejection is just redirection. It’s not a “no forever,” it’s a “not yet.” Use it as fuel to become unstoppable. - You’re overwhelmed with challenges: That’s not a weakness—it’s proof you’re pushing your limits. Take a deep breath, prioritize one thing, and tackle it. Each small step forward turns chaos into progress and shows you’re stronger than you think." Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “What’s the opportunity here?” - You didn’t get the outcome you worked so hard for: Shift your focus from the result to the process. What skills did I gain? What connections did I make? The true reward is often not the destination but the person you´ve become along the way. - You faced criticism: That’s fuel. Extract the part that’s true, grow from it, and let go of the rest As we dive into this new year, why not let science guide us? Let’s stay curious, turn setbacks into stepping stones, and keep transforming challenges into positives!💯 What about you? Are there any life lessons you’ve drawn from science? Share your thoughts with us—we’d love to hear them!💚 Novo Nordisk Foundation DTU - Technical University of Denmark #biotechnology

Novo Nordisk Foundation har givet en tidlig julegave til DTU - Technical University of Denmark i form af en milliard kroner til et nyt forskningsinstitut for biosolutions. Forskningsinstituttet, som har fået det meget lange navn Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institut for the Green Transition – eller slet og ret BRIGHT – skal fokusere på tre hovedområder, nemlig bæredygtige materialer, mikrobielle fødevarer og mikroorganismer, som skal bruges til at gøre landbruget klimaneutralt. Samtidig skal initiativet være med til at styrke og udbygge Danmarks og Europas produktion inden for den biobaserede økonomi, som Novo Nordisk Foundations administrerende direktør, Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, ser som fremtiden. »I dag kan vi for eksempel fremstille proteiner, som indgår i mælk og æg, eller som kan erstatte de kemikalier, vi i dag fremstiller med fossile brændstoffer, bioteknologisk ved hjælp af såkaldte cellefabrikker. Men der er et stykke vej endnu, før produkterne er optimale og kan fremstilles i stor skala til en pris, der kan konkurrere med den nuværende landbrugs- og kemiindustri,« siger Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen. Det nye institut er også oprettet med henblik på at kunne blive Danmarks bud på et europæisk innovationshub for biosolutions og industriel biotek. »Draghi-rapporten slog fast, at vi har brug for innovationshubs rundt om i Europa, som kan løfte de opgaver, hvor Europa er bagud i forhold til blandt andre USA. Jeg vil mene, at BRIGHT vil være en vigtig brik,« siger Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen. Læs hele artiklen her: https://lnkd.in/dUWPrrts #teknologi #fremtidensfødevarer #virksomheder 📷 Mathias Svold

New partnership: We are teaming up with IFF to drive sustainable innovation in the fragrance industry! 🙌 At The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain), we are very happy to announce the launch of a new strategic partnership with IFF, a global leader in sustainable solutions for food, beverages, scent and health.🌎 The collaboration aims to push the boundaries of biotechnology to develop greener and more sustainable production methods for fragrances and other valuable compounds. Senior Researcher Carlos G. Acevedo-Rocha from DTU Biosustain and Associate Professor Birgitte Zeuner from DTU Bioengineering will each lead one of the two funded research projects under this partnership. Together, they will drive efforts to create novel biosolutions that reduce our dependency on fossil fuels by leveraging cutting-edge methods in bioinformatics, machine learning, enzyme evolution, biocatalysis, and fermentation technology. 🎯 What’s in focus? An interdisciplinary team of various postdocs and PhD students will contribute to both projects, working towards: ✅ Designing and engineering novel enzymes using advanced computational and bioengineering methods to produce sustainable fragrance molecules. ✅ Developing enzymatic pathways and innovative processes that replace traditional chemical synthesis with environmentally friendly biotechnological solutions. This partnership, spanning both DTU Biosustain and DTU Bioengineering, reflects a shared commitment to fostering scientific breakthroughs that address global challenges. Carlos emphasizes: “IFF brings a very talented and diverse team whose sustainability-driven innovation will be role models for our young scientists. This exposure will enrich their careers and strengthen the bridge between academia and industry—something that we need to do more for succeeding with the green transition.” Birgitte adds: “I am looking forward to collaborating with skilled researchers from IFF whose expertise complements ours and to creating solutions with implications far beyond fragrances—potentially addressing other societal challenges as well.” With four PhD students and two postdocs split across the two projects, the collaboration emphasizes mentorship and growth. These young researchers will work closely with supervisors from both DTU and IFF, gaining hands-on experience in real-world applications. “The partnership is not only about advancing science, but also about shaping the next generation of researchers to adapt to industry’s needs, pace, and priorities,” Carlos adds. We’re excited about the potential of this partnership across sectors to transform how fragrances—and perhaps many other products—are made, contributing to a more sustainable future.👏💚 Interested in joining the project? Check out the job postings in the comment section below 👇 #bioinformatics #biotechnology #sustainability #greentransition Novo Nordisk Foundation DTU - Technical University of Denmark

A billion DKK for a BRIGHT future! NNF BRIGHT is a comprehensive new initiative at DTU - Technical University of Denmark to accelerate the development of biosolutions to strengthen Denmark's position in the bio-based economy. Supported by a remarkable DKK 1 billion grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, – the Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition - NNF BRIGHT – will through the execution of three initial missions on sustainable materials, microbial foods, and engineered microbes for net zero agriculture develop new biobased technologies with significant global sustainability impact potential.🌎 At DTU Biosustain, we are proud to have laid the scientific foundation for this new initiative. Over the past 14 years, we have delivered cutting-edge biotechnologies, nurtured innovative spinout companies, and built a strong culture of innovation. "We’re very pleased with this new grant to DTU for NNF BRIGHT. Over the years, DTU Biosustain has laid a strong foundation with valuable learnings and innovations, helping position Denmark as a leader in biotechnology. BRIGHT will build on these achievements to create new scalable, bio-based solutions for the green transition," says Bo Skjold Larsen, CEO of DTU Biosustain. Launching in 2025, BRIGHT represents a bold new step toward a greener, more sustainable future – one that combines world-class research and collaboration to propel Denmark’s bioeconomy to new heights🚀 #biotechnology #greentransition #bioeconomy

Europe´s future demands a new type of company leadership Europe must act now. To stay competitive on the global stage and protect the planet, we need to embrace a bioeconomy where sustainability drives innovation and growth. This isn’t just about adopting new technologies—it’s about rethinking how industries operate and shaping a new kind of leadership for the future. “To succeed as a leader in the bioeconomy, you need to think holistically in a new way”, says Prof. Bjarke Bak Christensen, Head of department at DTU Bioengineering. “It’s not just about creating sustainable products—it’s about understanding the entire value chain, from designing microorganisms and enzymes to scaling production, and ensuring these solutions succeed in a competitive global market. And it's also about harnessing the convergence of diverse technologies to unlock new opportunities for innovative solutions." Disrupting Europe’s entrenched economies is no small task. But the bioeconomy offers a clear path forward, promising resilience, growth, and sustainability. To seize this opportunity, company leaders must connect the dots across ecosystems, technologies, and industries—turning bold ideas into actionable, profitable solutions. “Leadership in the bioeconomy means understanding ecosystems,” adds Prof. Liisa Välikangas at DTU Management, Head of Study for DTU’s well-known EMBA program and Academic Lead for the new technological leadership program. “From the biomass in our fields to the technologies that transform it into products, and the policies that regulate its use, everything is interconnected. Leaders who can grasp and master this complexity will shape EU´s – and their companies’ - future.” This is the vision behind the new “European Leadership Program for Industrial Scientists (ELPIS)”. Developed by Europe’s 7 leading technical universities, including DTU - Technical University of Denmark, this first-of-its-kind program equips leaders to navigate the bioeconomy and succeed in this new era. What ELPIS will give you: ✅ Ecosystem mastery: Understand and integrate technologies like AI, biosolutions, and advanced materials into cohesive strategies. ✅ Leadership for transformation: Drive sustainable, profitable innovation while managing complexity and uncertainty. ✅ Technology intersections: Combine diverse fields to create competitive, scalable solutions. ✅ Collaborative networks: Build partnerships across academia and industry to foster interdisciplinary progress. This program is about more than leadership—it’s about empowering individuals to drive systemic change and ensure Europe thrives in a sustainable future. Europe has the potential to lead the bioeconomy. Now it needs the company leadership to match. Are you ready to shape Europe’s future? Join European Leadership Program for Industrial Scientists (ELPIS) this January by clicking the link in the comment below👇 DTU Biosustain #bioeconomy #greentransition

📢 Introducing the FIRST executive programme for Industrial Scientists 📢 DTU - Technical University of Denmark, in collaboration with EuroTeQ Engineering University - a network of leading technical universities in the EU – presents an executive leadership program tailored for Industrial Scientists. Being the first of its kind, we are proud to host one of the first 4-day pilot-courses here at DTU, giving Industrial Scientists the opportunity to grow in leadership and gain interdisciplinary insights. Watch Professor Liisa Välikangas from DTU Management explain what the executive leadership programme is all about 👇 We hope to have you join us for our 4-day immersive pilot-course on Life-Science on 27-30 January 2025. Be first together with us! 🌟 Learn more and reserve your spot here: Impact From Life Science: Shaping Opportunities at the Intersection of Technologies - Efteruddannelse og kurser fra DTU Learn for Life #EuroTeQ #DTU #IndustrialScientists #ExecutiveLeadership #EuropeanInnovation #EUCompetitivness DTU - Technical University of Denmark https://lnkd.in/dhMv_An2