AU researcher appointed Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator

Innovation is not only about developing new technologies. It is also about transforming decades of research into solutions to pressing global challenges.

This is why it is a significant recognition that Professor and Deputy Head of Department Henrik Brinch-Pedersen from the Department of Agroecology has been appointed Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator. The distinction is awarded to researchers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to bringing research closer to real-world application through innovation, patents, and entrepreneurship. Alongside the title, he has received funding for the innovation project GRAINPAP.

For Henrik Brinch-Pedersen, the recognition marks the culmination of many years of work in innovation and research-based development. He notes that innovation was once often regarded as less prestigious than scientific publications, whereas today it has become a core part of the university mission alongside research and education.

"The funding is, of course, greatly appreciated, but just as important is the fact that people outside the university recognise and value the work we do," says Henrik Brinch-Pedersen.

From fundamental research to a global challenge

At the heart of the GRAINPAP project is a challenge that affects millions of people around the world. Many individuals consume enough calories but lack essential micronutrients such as iron and zinc. This condition is often referred to as hidden hunger and can have serious consequences for health and development.

Plants contain a compound known as phytic acid, which binds important minerals and makes them more difficult for the human body to absorb. Throughout his research career, Henrik Brinch-Pedersen has worked with natural plant enzymes capable of breaking down phytic acid and thereby increasing the availability of nutrients.

Using new genome-editing technologies, the project will now seek to transfer this capability to maize, one of the world's most important crops and a staple food for millions of people. The goal is to improve the body's ability to absorb iron, zinc, and other micronutrients from the diet.

"If successful, we can give maize an enzyme activity that enhances the uptake of micronutrients. This could have a major impact in regions where maize constitutes a large proportion of the daily diet," says Henrik Brinch-Pedersen.

Innovation built on AU's Strengths

The project builds on many years of research into plant nutrient chemistry combined with advanced breeding and genome-editing techniques in which the research team has developed strong expertise. The innovation lies in combining fundamental biological knowledge with new technological opportunities to address a specific societal challenge.

The appointment as Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator is also tangible proof that research at the Department of Agroecology not only contributes new scientific knowledge but can also be translated into solutions with potential global impact.

For the department, the recognition highlights the innovative capacity that is increasingly in demand across the research landscape and demonstrates how plant science can help address some of the world's most pressing nutritional challenges.

Facts: Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator

• Awarded to researchers who have excelled in innovation and in translating research into societal value.
• Recipients are entitled to use the title Novo Nordisk Distinguished Innovator.
• The title is accompanied by funding for a specific innovation project.

Facts: GRAINPAP

• Aims to improve the uptake of micronutrients such as iron and zinc.
• Builds on research into phytic acid and natural plant enzymes.
• Will use genome-editing technologies to develop maize with enhanced nutritional value.
• Addresses the challenge of hidden hunger, which affects people who consume sufficient calories but lack essential micronutrients.

Contact

Professor Henrik Brinch-Pedersen, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University. Tel.: +45 51239017 or mail: hbp@agro.au.dk 

Communications advisor Camilla Brodam Galacho, Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University. Tel.: +45 93522136 or mail: brodam@agro.au.dk