The Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) has committed DKK 150 million (USD 22 million) for the first phase of the Microbiome Health Initiative, a virtual research center anchored at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), north of Copenhagen. Professor Fredrik Bäckhed from the University of Gothenburg will be employed part-time at DTU to lead the initiative, with Professor Tine Rask Licht from DTU National Food Institute as co-Director.

The focus of the center will be to investigate whether gut bacteria can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Over the past two decades, our research group has been involved in demonstrating that the composition of the intestinal bacteria is altered in individuals with cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The goal of this initiative is to generate knowledge that can lead to new prevention or treatment options for people living with, or at risk of suffering from these illnesses.

"The interdisciplinary approach of the project makes it possible to coordinate research between the strongest international environments,” says Professor Bäckhed in a press release from NNF. “It is unique that we can coordinate efforts between universities and hospitals to develop the most promising treatment concepts.”

Fredrik Bäckhed will remain in his role at the University of Gothenburg and will concurrently lead the Microbiome Health Initiative on a part-time basis.

To the press release from Novo Nordisk Foundation

To the press release from the University of Gothenburg (Swedish)