California—Denmark Innovator Fellowship for postdocs in food related areas

A research stay that connects Denmark and California

"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.

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.

A new unique collaboration to develop future international leaders in food and planetary health

The new California – Denmark Innovator Fellowship is a first-time program in Denmark and over 3 years:

• it will give the unique chance for nine Danish postdocs to travel to California and engage with UC Davis labs
• provides learning from commercialization partners and gain a deep understanding of how research is translated out of the university and into commercial products or start-up companies:
• the program will cultivate a network of innovators dedicated to translating research into real-world impact by developing leaders in biotechnology, food, and health with global connections. 
• It will also accelerate startups, patents, and research collaborations while linking California and Denmark’s innovation ecosystems to drive the green transition and a sustainable global food system.

Background

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. 

Find more information on the California – Denmark Innovator Fellowship website