DTU Biosustain

Master the science of sustainability assessment in three days! How sustainable are bio-based products—really? Measuring their true impact requires the right tools and methodologies.   Join our three-day course on Sustainability Assessment of Bio-Based Products to gain: ✅ Fundamental insights into bio-based production, supply chains, and life cycles ✅ Practical skills in assessing environmental, societal, and economic impacts using LCA & TEA ✅ Strategic know-how to translate sustainability data into real-world decision-making   Taught by expert researchers and industry professionals, this course is designed for academics, policymakers, and industry professionals looking to navigate sustainability with confidence.   🌱 Why does this matter? "Everyone wants to measure sustainability, but it’s not as simple as it seems. True sustainability assessment goes beyond labels—it requires a structured approach to evaluate environmental, societal, and economic impacts. This course will equip you with the essential tools and methodologies to critically assess bio-based products, validate sustainability claims, and make informed decisions, says Dr. Sumesh Sukumara, Course host & Senior Researcher at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) He continues: "At DTU Biosustain, we are committed to sharing our expertise and enabling professionals across industries to drive meaningful change."🌍 Course dates: 4th -6th March 2025 Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/dB6URDpE DTU - Technical University of Denmark Novo Nordisk Foundation #sustainability #biotechnology

🎉Today we are celebrating Ana, Renata, Colleen and Lei —and women in science all over the world!🎉 Today, on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate our excellent scientists here at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) who are driving innovation in biotechnology and sustainability.🌍 Among them are Ana Calheiros de Carvalho, Renata Sigrist, Colleen Manyumwa, PhD, and Lei Yang—women who are finding new solutions to the challenges we are facing. 🍄 Ana: Rethinking farming with fungi "As a child, I was always asking 'why.' I was curious about how everything works, and that led me to pursue a career in science," says Ana. Now, she studies fungi and their ability to produce natural compounds that could replace harmful pesticides. "Fungi have evolved their own sophisticated ways of defending themselves. I explore the potential of these microorganisms and their natural compounds to find sustainable alternatives to pesticides. My goal is to create more environmentally friendly solutions so we can reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture.” 🧪 Renata: Unlocking nature’s chemistry "From a young age, I was taken by the dream of finding the cure for cancer, and that led me to study chemistry," says Renata. Now, she is working with Streptomyces, bacteria that produce a vast diversity of bioactive compounds with enormous potential: “My research contributes to developing sustainable solutions that can address some global challenges. I focus on biosynthetic gene clusters high throughput cloning and discovering of new molecules," she explains.“As we face increasing environmental degradation and antibiotic resistance, finding new natural products could be a key to innovative solutions.” 🌍 Colleen: Turning CO₂ into a resource " My passion for science was initially sparked by my high school biology teacher, whose love for biotechnology was truly contagious, says Colleen. She works on biological CO₂ capture, developing systems that convert emissions into valuable materials: " What excites me most about my research in CO₂ capture is how biological systems can be engineered to address global challenges, from waste reduction to greener industrial processes. I seek to reduce human impact on ecosystems and find ways to work in harmony with nature rather than against it." 🧬 Lei: Engineering biology for a sustainable future "I develop protein-based solutions for sustainable food, materials, and agricultural applications to replace fossil-based processes, says Lei. Her work in synthetic biology focuses on optimizing bioproduction to make biotech solutions scalable and cost-efficient, ensuring they have real-world impact. " I think collaborating with researchers from different backgrounds helps push the boundaries of my research by asking unconventional questions and exploring new approaches." #Internationaldayofwomenandgirlsinscience DTU - Technical University of Denmark Novo Nordisk Foundation

We are joining forces with TotalEnergies to advance carbon capture! We believe the road to a sustainable future requires innovation, bold scientific advancements and impactful industry collaboration.🌍 That’s why we are happy to announce that the Bacterial Signal Transduction Group at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability (DTU Biosustain) has received support from TotalEnergies for a collaboration project to scale up a biomineralization platform for biological CO₂ capture! By harnessing bacteria to convert CO₂ into valuable biominerals like calcium carbonate, the partnership offers a pathway to lower emissions, enhance industrial efficiency, and drive the transition towards a circular carbon economy. Applications span industries from cement production to paper and pulp manufacturing, where sustainable alternatives are urgently needed. And so last week we welcomed TotalEnergies to DTU Biosustain for a kickstart meeting to align on goals, scaling strategies and the roadmap ahead. Colleen Manyumwa, PhD from DTU Biosustain shares: "This grant allows us to refine biological CO₂ capture, optimize bacterial processes, and integrate with industrial waste streams. We think it is an exciting step towards making scalable, sustainable carbon sequestration a reality." 👏Big congratulations Ivan Mijakovic, Colleen Manyumwa, PhD, Carsten Jers, Dina Petranovic PhD EMBA, Gregor Giebel and from TotalEnergies: Nathalie Mourot, Henrik Tirsgaard, LARS OBERBECK, Christoph Sachs, Stephane Jouenne and Frederic Febvre👏 DTU-TotalEnergies Excellence Centre of Clean Energy (DTEC) DTU - Technical University of Denmark Novo Nordisk Foundation #sustainability #greentransition

👏 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