Lifelong learning

Executive course on new technology and innovation allows companies to stay competitive

A new DTU course highlights the need for lifelong learning in a time where technological development is moving faster and faster. The course is part of a new European executive programme.

Learn for Life — DTU created the pilot course ’Life Science for Human and Planetary Health' targeting European specialists and managers. Photo: Claus Frantzen

Wednesday 12 February 2025

Christina Tækker

Sole Bugge Møller

For the first time, DTU is offering a continuing education programme aimed at European specialists and managers. The course will introduce participants to the latest research in life science and other relevant technologies such as biosolutions, chemical engineering, and food technology as well as AI, machine learning, and big data that all affect the development of new products and services.

This can help strengthen the innovative power and competitiveness of their businesses and foster development in innovation and technology across European industries.

The course ‘Life Science for Human and Planetary Health’ is part of a new European executive programme and is offered as part of the EuroTeQ alliance, a collaboration between nine of Europe’s top universities.

“We want to give participants insight into the latest research at DTU and the brave new world of this field,” says Bjarke Bak Christensen, Head of Department at DTU Bioengineering and one of the keynote speakers of the course.

“For specialists in the industry, it is important to be aware of emerging new technologies and how they can tap into them and even help drive the development. We can give them insight into this here at DTU, where we have world-leading researchers in everything from engineering cells and enzymes to producing them on a large scale.”

Leading researchers and industry experts

Last week, DTU held the pilot course ‘Life Science for Human and Planetary Health‘ to test both form and content. For the pilot, 22 participants from large global companies such as NIRAS, AGC Biologics, Alfa Laval, and Topsoe saw presentations from leading researchers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs.

Among the speakers were a number of DTU professors and heads of department, as well as Sofie Carsten Nielsen, director of the European Coalition for BioSolutions and the Confederation of Danish Industry, and Lia Leffland, director of ATV. In addition, the participants visited a number of companies in the biotech industry, such as Alfa Laval Innovation House and the BioInnovation Institute.

Lack of options for specialists

In a world where technological development is moving faster and faster, DTU’s Director for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Senior Vice President Carsten Orth Gaarn-Larsen sees a great need for continuing education in the future. In this regard, universities play an important role in disseminating the necessary skills and knowledge to industry, for example through courses aimed at executive levels.

“There are few opportunities for further education aimed at this group of specialists. We believe that there is great value in putting our tech-savvy people together with business people. It provides new perspectives,” says Carsten Orth Gaarn-Larsen.

He believes it is important for specialists in life science to receive further training at the European level, because biotechnology can be used to develop new solutions for a greener planet and a healthier life.

Biotechnology and biosolutions are among the ten critical technology areas that can affect Europe’s competitiveness, according to the EU.

“Europe has unique opportunities in biotechnology to develop new companies and use more bio-based solutions. DTU occupies a position of strength in this area, while also being part of an ecosystem of strong companies such as Novo Nordisk and Novonesis. This is something we attempt to convey through this course,” says Carsten Orth Gaarn-Larsen.

Fernanda Lopes, Manager Early Stage Development, AGC Biologics — Fernanda Lopes is Manager, Early Stage Process Development at AGC Biologics. Photo: Claus Frantzen

Inspires an entrepreneurial mindset

One of the participants in the pilot course is Fernanda Lopes, who leads a small team of researchers at AGC Biologics with a focus on innovation. Among other things, she is taking the course to develop her leadership skills, and since her background is more academic, she has especially benefitted from meeting entrepreneurs in biotech.

“I usually attend scientific conferences, but this course offered a unique balance between research, entrepreneurship, and industry that I have not experienced before. It was inspiring to visit DTU Skylab, Alfa Laval Innovation House, and the BioInnovation Institute, because you rarely get the opportunity to experience other people’s approach to innovation and what they do to support it,” says Fernanda Lopes.

Luis Marchal, Human Resources VP, Alfa Laval — Luis Marchal is Vice President Human Resources in Alfa Laval. Photo: Claus Frantzen

Another participant in the course is Luis Marchal, Vice President Human Resources at Alfa Laval, where he oversees an innovation programme.He is also enthusiastic about the content of the course:

“I have gained a 360-degree view of life science from a business perspective. It was also an excellent mix of science and industry, and as a newcomer to Denmark, it has been refreshing to meet a lot of interesting people.”

Luis Marchal highlights the sharp focus on innovation and life science:

“I’m not a researcher, so it’s been super relevant for me to be introduced to a wide range of skills and technologies as part of this course.”

Facts

EuroTeQ

EuroTeQ is a European university alliance that has existed since 2020. It builds on the original EuroTech Alliance with the following members: Technische Universität München, Eindhoven University of Technology, L'École polytechnique, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Tallinn University of Technology, and DTU as well as the two business schools IESE and HEC.

EuroTeQ is the only university alliance in Europe to create a shared online course platform for all students. Soon there will also be a platform focused on lifelong learning.

The executive courses are the first continuing education courses aimed at industry specialists across Europe. In 2025, the EuroTeQ University Alliance will launch a Lifelong Learning Course Catalogue, where you can find both stand-alone courses from The European Leadership Programme for Industrial Scientists as well as shorter online courses or ‘micro credentials’ on the green and digital transitions.

Once available, the modules can be accessed at EuroTeQ Engineering University and DTU Learn for Life.

Contact

Bjarke Bak Christensen Head of Department Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Mobile: +45 30664233 bbch@dtu.dk

Carsten Orth Gaarn-Larsen Rektoratet Mobile: +45 23230000 coglar@dtu.dk