Novo Nordisk Foundation

Today, I have been on a remarkable journey from science to policy! It has been an absolute privilege to contribute to the Danish Presidency and moderate the breakout sessions on #biotechnology with a number of member states and the Executive Vice President Stéphane Séjourné. Together, we walked through the history of biotech, from the ancient Sumerians to the groundbreaking work of Pasteur, and right up to the present day, where we can produce food ingredients with side streams, and even leather and cement with microorganisms. These examples are just a glimpse of how biotechnology is not only driving innovation but also offering concrete solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. However, EU is much slower in its approval process of green and climate-saving biosolutions due to a regulatory framework that seems outdated in many ways. Looking ahead, we eagerly await the upcoming EU Biotech Act, that I believe should be a broad act covering the different areas of biotechnology and able to rapidly turn the richness of knowledge that Europe possesses into innovative products. By combining our excellent EU science with adequate risk-willing funding and more innovation-friendly regulation, we can become an innovative powerhouse that enhances the EU's global competitiveness. Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2025

Yesterday, it was announced that we, together with EIFO, are investing €80 million in the new Nordic quantum initiative, QuNorth, and the acquisition of the quantum computer Magne.   In this follow-up article, Chief Scientific Officer Lene B. Oddershede and Scientific Director Morten Bache answer key questions about QuNorth and Magne and what users can expect from the #quantum computer. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dRtS9j7n

Today we announced that EIFO and the Novo Nordisk Foundation will acquire and install in Copenhagen what may be the world’s most powerful quantum computer through our newly established company QuNorth. The name of the computer is Magne, and it is anticipated to be the first operational deployment of a so-called level 2 quantum computer powered by logical qubits. Atom Computing will build and deliver the quantum hardware for Magne, while Microsoft will integrate software tailored to Atom Computing’s neutral atom technology. Today, the Nordic countries have very limited access to #quantum computers on the market and, despite great quantum research in the region, our academic researchers as well as companies risk falling behind compared to other parts of the world. With the investment in QuNorth and Magne, we aim to provide a strong platform that prioritizes access for Nordic researchers and companies. Magne will be ready for use around the turn of the year 2026/27, but QuNorth will already later this year begin the important work of building a strong Nordic ecosystem in Europe around the use of the computer. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of modern quantum mechanics. Now, a hundred years later, I propose that we - aided by this and other investments - are now entering the quantum solutions era, enabling the solution of grand human and planetary health challenges. 

EIFO, the export and investment fund of Denmark, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, an independent Danish enterprise foundation, are investing €80 million in the establishment of a new Nordic quantum initiative, QuNorth, to advance the region’s technological development. Microsoft and Atom Computing will bring to QuNorth the world’s most powerful quantum computer and the first operational deployment of a machine powered by logical qubits. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d4ui2z4t #quantum

Why so many struggle with fertility and what genetics can tell us Fertility challenges are more common than many think. In fact, one in six couples experiences difficulties conceiving. Now, the largest-ever genetic study of its kind is beginning to shed light on the biological reasons why. Researchers have identified hundreds of genetic variants linked to reproductive success and some of them may be inherited from your father. Read the full article on ScienceNews - a platform providing articles, videos, and podcasts from the world of research. All content is based on research or researchers supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. #Sciencenewsdk #Genetics #Fertility #HealthAndWellness #WomensHealth #ReproductiveHealth

My colleagues and I at the Novo Nordisk Foundation were very pleased to host Mark Suzman and his team from the Gates Foundation at our headquarters yesterday. Our joint efforts, both bilaterally and through our tripartite partnership with Wellcome Trust, tackle key global health and sustainability challenges, particularly at their intersection. We are proud to partner on initiatives such as the Pandemic Antiviral Discovery (PAD) programme, a global effort to catalyse the discovery and early development of antiviral medicines in preparation for future pandemics. The Gates Foundation has made significant achievements in progressing global health, so there's a lot my colleagues and I can learn from, and also achieve together. The synergies between our foundations help us address issues related to health, climate, and inequity. We look forward to continuing our work with the Gates Foundation and other partners to drive impactful change for people and the planet.

Fermentation goes to space to explore new flavours! What happens when you try to make fermented food… in space? A team of Danish scientists has sent microbes to the International Space Station to find out how fermentation works without gravity. The goal? To understand whether astronauts can one day enjoy tasty, healthy fermented foods like we do on Earth and to learn more about the microbes that shape flavour and gut health. Fermentation is behind everything from cheese to kimchi but space might change the taste completely. Read the full article on ScienceNews - a platform providing articles, videos, and podcasts from the world of research. All content is based on research or researchers supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. #ScienceNewsdk #FoodInSpace #Fermentation #Microbes #SpaceScience #Innovation #Microbiome

How can we transform greenhouse gases to food? In what way can infections make heart diseases worse? And how can we use artificial intelligence for personalised cancer treatment?   Those are just some of the questions that nine new projects, funded by the 2025 Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme, seek to answer.   The Novo Nordisk Foundation's Challenge Programme engages actively with the scientific community and encourages top-tier researchers to bring their most visionary ideas to life.   In this 2025 round of the Challenge Programme, we award DKK 479 million to nine projects that bring researchers together from all over the globe, including Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Australia, and the USA.   Read a lot more about the nine groundbreaking projects below. #challengeprogramme

Designing proteins from scratch opens exciting new possibilities for solving global challenges in health and sustainability. That is why we are funding an ambitious new Center for Protein Design at Københavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen.   Led by Professor Dek Woolfson, world-renowned in this field, the centre aims to build on recent breakthroughs to establish a powerhouse for protein design in Europe.

Why sleepless nights may hurt more than you think A new study shows that poor sleep doesn’t just make us tired—it can also make us more sensitive to pain. And for women, the effect may be even stronger. The research highlights how closely sleep and pain are connected and suggests that improving sleep quality could be key to pain prevention. Read the full article on ScienceNews - a platform providing articles, videos, and podcasts from the world of research. All content is based on research or researchers supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. #ScienceNews #SleepHealth #PainResearch #WomensHealth