DTU celebrates researchers' successes

On March 18, 2025, 31 researchers were honored in the Glass Hall at DTU for their world-class research, ranging from investigating the interaction between light and matter to harnessing marine bacteria to delivering new and effective antibiotics and developing cement capable of storing CO2.

In total, the researchers have received over 380 million DKK in individual excellence grants in the past year.

DTU's Provost Christine Nellemann hosted the event and welcomed the approximately 90 guests. In her speech, she congratulated the grant recipients:

“We know that these grants are important for your research and for your careers. The grants also shine a bright light on the university and show us that DTU is a place of research excellence.

“I know you will use this money well, and along the way you will create vibrant and creative research environments across DTU. I am proud that you will contribute to DTU's mission since 1829: To create new knowledge and new technology for the benefit of society.”

The world of bacteria

After the welcome, Christine Nellemann introduced the two keynote speakers, Shengda Zhang from DTU Bioengineering and Patrick Munk from DTU Food.

Assistant Professor Shengda Zhang presented her work on genetic engineering of marine bacteria to discover new biosystems that can improve human well-being.

“I'm happy to be able to share knowledge about my research field to a larger audience. It's a good exercise in communication. At the same time, I am happy and proud of the recognition from DTU,” says Shengda Zhang, who joined DTU in 2017.

Like Shengda Zhang, Associate Professor Patrick Munk was honored by the recognition from DTU:

“It's a big pat on the back to be invited to the excellence celebration today, but it also makes me very happy to be invited to give a speech. It has been overwhelming to receive funding for four projects almost simultaneously. It's a huge privilege” says Patrick Munk.

As NNF Data Science Emerging Investigator, Patrick Munk will spend the next five years working on the MULTIBIOMINE project, which uses big data analysis to develop tools that will help in the fight against antibiotic resistance. He has also received funding from the Carlsberg Foundation, Health Donations and NordForsk.