California – Denmark Innovator Fellowship for postdocs in food related areas

DTU National Food Institute and the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health, in collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation and other partners have launched a unique new fellowship programme. The goal is to strengthen researchers’ ability to translate scientific discoveries into tangible solutions in areas with relevance to food, including health, and sustainability.

"Bridging scientific discoveries with real-world applications is crucial for addressing future challenges within the food system, biosolutions and sustainability. That is why we are excited to introduce this new fellowship and invite you to our information session," says Tine Rask Licht, Director of DTU National Food Institute.

The call for applications will be open from 1 April to 18 May. 

A research stay that connects Denmark and California

Through the California – Denmark Innovator Fellowship, postdocs working in areas related to food can develop their skills in innovation and commercialisation while becoming part of an international network connecting Denmark and California.

A total of nine postdocs in Denmark will have the opportunity to travel to UC Davis over the course of the three-year project period to collaborate with both research institutions and industry. Each postdoctoral stay will last approximately six months. At the same time, nine American postdocs from UC Davis will come to Denmark to work with researchers from the Centre for Sustainable Agrifood Systems (START), which is representing united Danish universities, BioInnovation Institute, DTU Skylab, and other innovation hubs.

Online information session 23 April 2025

DTU National Food Institute will host an online information session on 23 April 2025, where the programme will be presented. You will learn more about the application process, the research stay in California, and how the fellowship can strengthen your research career. Application deadline is 18 May 2025.

What to expect at the information session

• Learn about the fellowship programme, including workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities.
• Get detailed information about UC Davis—collaborate with one of the world’s leading food research institutions and access state-of-the-art facilities.
• Practical guidance on transport, visas, accommodation, and support.
• How you will become part of a dynamic and diverse academic community.
• Learn about financial support and benefits to help you on your research journey.
• Meet UC Davis representatives and ask your questions directly.
• Gain insights into life in California and the US in general.

Date

23 April 2025, 16:00 to 17:00 CET

Location

Online on Zoom. Link will be sent after registration.

Registration

Sign up here.

Learn more

The California – Denmark Innovator Fellowship is launched by the DTU National Food Institute and the UC Davis Innovation Institute for Food and Health, in partnership with the Novo Nordisk Foundation, alongside START, the BioInnovation Institute, and DTU Skylab. Its objective is to enhance researchers’ capacity to convert scientific discoveries into practical solutions within the realms of food, health, and sustainability. The project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. 

Visit the California – Denmark Innovator Fellowship website.