“I believe this is how we can make Kalundborg a place people want to stay"
Under the spring sun and surrounded by the scenic beauty of Kragerup Estate, past and present Helix Lab Fellows and PhD students gathered for this year’s alumni event. The event focused not just on reunions and socializing, but on building bridges across generations of Fellows and PhDs. A total of 55 participants attended the second alumni event in Helix Lab’s history, with a strong emphasis on strengthening and structuring the alumni network.
“The purpose of an alumni network is to create connections across cohorts, disciplines, and nationalities. Our Fellows alumni bring with them unique experiences and perspectives, and by sharing those, they lay the groundwork for something greater — both professionally and personally,” says Anette Birck, Director of Helix Lab.
Over the course of 24 hours, the participants took part in workshops, outdoor activities, and shared meals — all while exchanging concrete ideas and personal reflections about life in Kalundborg and their time after Helix Lab.
From Idea to Action: Shaping the Alumni Network
A central part of the program was a collaborative workshop in which Fellows worked in groups to design and refine ideas for the future of the network. Among the most popular proposals were a buddy program, where former Fellows support new ones — academically, socially, and practically — as well as a career fair with industry partners, and alumni involvement in outreach activities at universities to attract future talent to Helix Lab and Campus Kalundborg.
“I think our suggestions are useful, because many of us are thinking along the same lines. What Helix Lab has already created is great, but there’s always room for improvement. It’s also important that we try to make it easier for the next group of Fellows,” says Maria A. Piza Bermudez, former Fellow and now employed at Novo Nordisk in Kalundborg.
Current Fellow Estefania Ibarra Salas also highlighted the value of connections:
“When I arrived in Kalundborg from Mexico, I didn’t know anyone. I would have benefited from having a local contact, and I believe an alumni network can really help international students settle in faster. I definitely see myself using the network in the future.”
Management Consultant and Community Builder at Helix Lab, Nanna Blume, welcomes the initiative shown by participants:
“When alumni come forward with ideas and take ownership of the network, it becomes something they feel connected to. That’s what makes it sustainable and impactful both on a professional and deeply personal level”
A difference in daily life
The value of the network isn’t only professional — it also has an important human dimension. Several participants emphasized that the social community shaped their perception of Kalundborg as a place to live and work. Mahmoud Samir Beyragdar, former Fellow and now Associate Process Engineer at Novo Nordisk, puts it this way:
“The network provides both career opportunities and friendships. It’s not just about knowledge exchange — it’s about finding people you relate to. That makes a real difference in daily life. I believe this is how we can make Kalundborg a place people want to stay.”
He notes that Kalundborg is sometimes seen as a temporary destination, but that perception can be changed through strong communities:
“If more people get involved in the city and with each other, we can create an environment where young people thrive — and where there’s life and new initiatives.”
For Nanna Blume, the alumni event clearly demonstrated that Helix Lab’s long-standing efforts in community building are paying off. She notes that the potential for an even stronger alumni network is being met with genuine enthusiasm.
“It’s both gratifying and inspiring to see the Helix Lab alumni network grow in this way. Current Fellows and Alumni are eager to take initiative and responsibility while building meaningful connections, and they do so with remarkable energy. I truly believe this network will continue to evolve and realize its full potential.”
