Renowned Climate Scientist and Award-Winning Entrepreneur to Speak at Helix Lab’s Autumn Tech Talks
How can we control rats without poison? Are we approaching or exceeding the planet’s climate boundaries? And how can we build sustainably without creating conditions for mold growth?
These are some of the questions audiences can explore when Helix Lab hosts a new series of Tech Talks this autumn. The programme brings together researchers and experts who will share the latest knowledge on climate, biodiversity, and biotechnological solutions to some of society’s major challenges.
Among this autumn’s speakers is Professor Katherine Richardson, an internationally recognised climate scientist and one of the key figures behind the identification of the so-called planetary boundaries. Also taking part is Johan Andersen-Ranberg, winner of the University of Copenhagen’s 2024 Innovation Award, who will present a new and more sustainable method of controlling rats.
Award-Winning Research Could Transform Rat Control
The first Tech Talk of the autumn addresses a problem familiar to municipalities, businesses, and citizens alike: rats.
Johan Andersen-Ranberg, Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen and founder of the biotechnology company TriptoBio, will explain the research behind a new method in which a naturally occurring plant compound, triptolide, makes rats infertile rather than killing them with poison.
In the long term, the method could provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional rodenticides, which can harm both the environment and other animal species.
In October, audiences can hear from Katherine Richardson, Professor at the University of Copenhagen and one of Denmark’s leading climate experts. She is one of the driving forces behind the development of the Planetary Boundaries Framework, which describes the environmental limits that humanity must remain within to ensure a stable planet.
Her lecture will provide an up-to-date look at the significance of these boundaries for the health of the planet, where we stand today, which boundaries have already been exceeded, and what this means for future societies.
Local Nature Restoration and the Future of Construction
The programme also features a talk on the restoration of nature on the Asnæs peninsula south of Kalundborg, where the Hempel Foundation is working to recreate a large, connected natural area. Biologist and nature manager Axel Frederik Møller, who lives on Asnæs himself, will give the talk.
Mycologist and building expert Birgitte Andersen will address one of the challenges associated with the green transition in construction: How can we prevent mold in buildings that are increasingly constructed using timber and other bio-based materials?
The Tech Talks are held in English. They are free and open to everyone with an interest in research, technology, and the green transition.
Visit Tech Talks to read the full program or sign up below
23 September, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Rats on the Pill
Johan Andersen-Ranberg, Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen and founder of TriptoBio.
27 October, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Planetary Boundaries
Katherine Richardson, Professor at the University of Copenhagen.
17 November, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Wilderness at Asnæs
Axel Frederik Møller, biologist and Conservation Manager, Vildmarken.
8 December, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Green Buildings, Grey Mold
Birgitte Andersen, PhD and mycologist at BUILD, Aalborg University.
All events include coffee and networking from 3:00–5:30 p.m.
Venue: Helix Lab, Campus Kalundborg 3, 4400 Kalundborg, Denmark
Admission: Free
