Helix Lab Launches New PhD Programs and Expands Team
Starting in autumn 2024, Helix Lab will host a pilot version of Helix Lab PhD program in collaboration with universities and key industry players. This marks the beginning of four new PhD positions designed to foster research collaboration between PhD students and companies in Kalundborg Biotech City, with a focus on cutting-edge projects in technology and sustainability.
The PhD positions are all collaborations between the universities and the biotech companies, playing a crucial role in sustaining long-term research collaborations between the industry in Kalundborg and academic institutions. Additionally, they bring valuable expertise to Helix Lab’s research environment.
The first PhD student, Isabell Raahauge Eriksen, who started September 1st, will be working with Novonesis in collaboration with Aalborg University. Isabell, who completed her MSc thesis as a Helix Lab Fellow in spring 2024, is eager to continue her research alongside industry professionals.
"I gain a unique perspective on the industry and the specific challenges Novonesis addresses. This combination of lab work and real-world industry experience is incredibly meaningful to me," she says. She also highlights the proximity to production facilities as a major advantage:
"Being right next to the large-scale operations makes the work more tangible. I aspire to a career in the industry after graduation, so this is an ideal starting point."
Strengthening the Team with New Talent
In addition to launching the new PhD programs, Helix Lab is expanding its team with two new employees, boosting the lab's capacity and enhancing communication efforts.
On September 1st, 2024, Sara Marie Dynesen joined Helix Lab as a Project Consultant. With a background in journalism and a passion for education, Sara will focus on increasing visibility for Helix Lab by sharing the stories of its Fellows, PhD students, and their research initiatives.
"I'm excited to apply my experience in the intersection of education, research, and business, and to contribute to the development Kalundborg is undergoing," Sara says.
Helix Lab has also welcomed Anne Muchogo, a newly certified laboratory technician, who will support the growing laboratory activities. Anne is eager to contribute to the expanding research community at Helix Lab and take part in projects that bridge theoretical research with practical applications.
The addition of both a PhD program and of extra staffing is made possible by a DKK 22 million grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which supplements the existing grant from NNF regarding Helix Lab (May 2021-April 2026).
The funding will enable Helix Lab to enhance its activities, strengthen research partnerships, and attract even more talented students and researchers to contribute to new biosolutions, green transition and future energy technologies.