Increased and extended funding for Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research
A recent international scientific assessment by a panel of independent experts has described Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) as a ‘world-class center’; which is on track to becoming a ‘world-leading institution specializing in protein research’.
After this highly positive assessment the Novo Nordisk Foundation has decided to award an additional grant of DKK 180 million (€24.2 million) to Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the University of Copenhagen. The extra funds will be provided to extend and strengthen the activities of the center until 2019.
The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s long-term support of protein research has generated a positive spiral, whereby the University of Copenhagen has been able to manifest itself among the international elite and has managed to attract numerous top-scientists and new talents. This internationalization provides enormous inspiration and is of great value to the university, the clinical and business environment as well as the entire region, says Ralf Hemmingsen, Rector at the University of Copenhagen.
Within the last few years, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research has made important discoveries with strong medical implications, which were published in some of the most influential scientific journals. Researchers from Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research have received prestigious awards and research grants. The extended funding is a major boost to the ambitious efforts by Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research to strengthen basic and translational protein research, remain at the cutting edge of advanced protein technologies, establish new international collaborations and educate the next generation of talented protein researchers who will have unique competences.
We’re talking about a huge potential here. The development of IT technology and Big Data management, combined with cutting-edge protein technologies and a strong emphasis on mechanistic understanding of protein function opens up for entirely new possibilities. Such holistic approach will bring protein research to next generation, where we can compete at the highest international level, and at the same time enable the University of Copenhagen to become a global hub for the understanding of how proteins function in cells and tissues in healthy people as well as in people suffering illnesses, says Jiri Lukas, Professor and Director of Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at UCPH.
The new agreement is the result of a revised financial model whereby Novo Nordisk Foundation grants support their centers of excellence for intervals of five years, after which each center is peer-reviewed by top international experts. Based on these rigorous scientific assessments, Novo Nordisk Foundation decides whether to extend the funding for another five years. This new financial model is thus without a predefined expiry-date.
It’s with immense appreciation of the foundation’s global outlook and great pride in Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research mind set and impressive results that we are now able to begin the next chapter. We’ll do our utmost to live up to expectations and contribute positively to the bridge building between molecular biology and clinical medicine whereby research environments, young researchers, Danish biotech businesses and not least patients will be able to reap the benefits of basic research, says Ulla Wewer, Dean at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
The new agreement between Novo Nordisk Foundation and the University of Copenhagen has become effective as of the commencement of 2015.
More on Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research: https://www.cpr.ku.dk/
More on The Novo Nordisk Foundation: http://www.novonordiskfonden.dk/da
Further information:
Anéh Christina Hajdu, Head of Communications at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at University of Copenhagen – mobile phone: +45 2122 2692
Lotte Skipper, Communication Consultant, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen – mobile phone: +45 5129 8041
Christian Mostrup Scheel, Press Officer at the Novo Nordisk Foundation – mobile phone: +45 3067 4805