New Centre for Protein Design in Innovation District Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen is now launching their new “Centre for Protein Design” (CPD) Thanks to a generous DKK 700 million grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Located in Innovation District Copenhagen, the CPD will be led by Professor Dek Woolfson and aims to revolutionize protein design for healthcare and environmental solutions.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The CPD will unite experts from biology, chemistry, drug design, and computer science. The centre will have a strategic location between the Departments of Biology, and of Drug Design and Pharmacology, with additional activities at the Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science. All at the University of Copenhagen, these are within walking distance of each other in the innovation district, and their proximity will facilitate seamless collaboration and innovation.

Hopes to leverage digital advances

It is the hope of the university as well as of the foundation, that this collaboration will leverage recent and coming breakthroughs in computational design and AI. Designed proteins have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by detecting and curing diseases directly in the body. They can also be used in industrial and environmental applications, such as producing greener pharmaceuticals and breaking down pollutants.

Leading the Charge

Professor Dek Woolfson, a leader in protein design, will direct the CPD’s efforts to translate research into real-world applications. Previously at the University of Bristol, Woolfson is at the forefront of protein design and synthetic biology. The centre will focus on fundamental research and training the next generation of researchers.

The possibilities are almost endless, but there is still much work to be done. The CPD will play a key role in driving fundamental research and translating it into practical solutions”: Dek Woolfson, Professor, leader, Centre for Protein Design, University of Copenhagen

Vision for the Future

The Novo Nordisk Foundation envisions the CPD as a powerhouse for protein design in Europe, addressing global challenges with innovative solutions. The CPD will foster interdisciplinary collaboration to master the complexities of protein design and drive significant advancements in science and healthcare.

About Innovation District Copenhagen

Innovation District Copenhagen is a world-class innovation district where you can transform your bright ideas into growth, jobs, and global solutions.

• Co-locate with University of Copenhagen, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, University College Copenhagen (KP) and 500 innovative companies.
• Co-create with 40,000 researchers, staff and students.
• Collaborate to develop new solutions to societal challenges.
• Find a job with leading academic institutions and deep-tech companies.

Learn more about the Innovation District Copenhagen organisation.