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Celebrating Milestones: Helix Lab’s Midterm Evaluation

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Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) has recently given response to the Helix Lab Midterm Evaluation, marking a great moment in our journey towards advancing industry 4.0 bioproduction and industrial sustainability in Kalundborg. This evaluation not only underscores the strides we have made but also set new goals for our future actions.
Midterm Evaluation

A Testament to Success: Surpassing Expectations

After a review of our activities and achievements over the past 2.5 years, the NNF has recognized Helix Lab’s performance in meeting and exceeding the set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The foundation’s approval of Phase II of our grant attests to the rewarding outcomes of our collective efforts, reflecting our commitment to fostering a strong connection between academia and the Kalundborg industry.

Key Highlights from the Evaluation:

  • Exceeding Fellowship Allocations: Helix Lab has surpassed its original projections, awarding 30 fellowships against an anticipated 20. This achievement is a testament to the growing interest and engagement from universities, industry stakeholders and not least MSc students.
  • Broad University Representation: Our initiative has fostered participation from 6 out of 8 Danish universities, doubling the target set for 2023. This broad representation underscores the appeal and relevance of collaboration across the national, academic landscape.
  • Impressive Employment Outcomes: Remarkably, 50% of our graduated fellows have secured employment within the Kalundborg industry, with more than half of them opting to relocate permanently to Kalundborg. 
  • High Satisfaction Scores: Feedback from Fellows and Supervisors alike paints a picture of high satisfaction, with scores averaging between 4.6 and 4.8 out of 5. These scores are a clear indication of the positive impact and value perceived by all participants in the Helix Lab experience.

 

Looking Ahead: Recommendations and Future Directions

The midterm evaluation also illuminated areas for growth and expansion. Recognizing the challenge in setting up projects within certain areas of industry 4.0, such as automation and robotics, NNF supports our initiative to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders to enhance our offerings in these critical fields.

Moreover, the evaluation highlighted the importance of:

  • Attracting talented international students to foster a diverse and dynamic academic community.
  • Finding synergies with new MSc programs in Kalundborg to strengthen the educational ecosystem.
  • Securing future funding to expand our activities, including PhD research and community engagement efforts.

A Foundation for Future Growth

The positive outcome of the midterm evaluation by NNF is not just a reflection of what we have achieved but also an inspiration guiding us towards continuing accomplishments. It reaffirms the vital role of Helix Lab in making Kalundborg an international biocluster for industry 4.0 bioproduction and industrial sustainability.

As we celebrate these milestones, we want to thank the continued support from our collaborative public and private partners, Fellows, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Together, we are shaping the future of bioproduction and sustainability, making Helix Lab not just a center of academic and industrial collaboration but a cornerstone of community building and innovation development.

 

You can read the full NNF Assessment response here.