Fellow 2025-2027
MD, PhD
Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI)
2025-2027 fellows
Below you will find information about fellows from the 2025-2027 cohort, including their names, background, affiliations, project description, and mentor teams.
Fellows 2025-2027
Project description and mentor team
Premature aging in long-term survivors of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Survival after childhood cancer has increased significantly during recent decades partially due to treatment
with hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT). However, a large proportion of these children develop
late effects to the treatment, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and loss of muscle and bone mass.
Altogether the late effects resemble accelerated aging, and it is an important research focus to prevent and
treat these late effects. In this project we will address the hypothesis that survivors with severe late effects have a more severe degree of cellular aging than survivors with limited late effects. This will be done by analyzing biological
markers of aging in blood samples and associate the results with presence of late effects in a group of
survivors of pediatric HSCT. This project will contribute with new knowledge, improving the follow-up care after pediatric HSCT. It is hoped that this will lead to fewer survivors experiencing late effects in the future.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Claus Desler Madsen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Professor Klaus Gottlob Müller, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents Medicine, University Hospital Copenhagen – Rigshospitalet
Project description and mentor team
Tailoring Dietary Composition to Glycemic Patterns: Implications for Long-term Cardiometabolic Health and Advancement in Precision Medicine
Current dietary guidelines take a one-size-fits-all approach, but it has been discovered that people respond
differently to food based on their genes, metabolism, and lifestyle. This research explores whether tailoring
diets to individual metabolic profiles can improve health. Using data from large population studies and
clinical trials, we will identify different metabolic subtypes based on blood sugar responses, other
demographic factors and genetic factors. We will then test whether one’s diet with these subtypes leads to
better outcomes, such as improved weight management and reduced risk of diabetes and heart disease. This
research could help develop personalized nutrition strategies, making dietary recommendations more
effective and tailored to individual needs, ultimately transforming how we prevent and manage metabolic
diseases.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Professor Ruth Loos, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Professor David Ludwig, Boston Children’s Hospital, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen
Life science mentor: Professor Kees Hovingh, Senior Medical Officer, Global Chief Medical Office
Novo Nordisk
Supplementary basic mentor: Associate Professor Jordi Merino, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic
Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen
Project description and mentor team
The mystery of neuro-pancreatic regulation: Why is GLP-1 safe from hypoglycaemia?
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) treat diabetes and obesity by improving blood sugar control and
causing weight loss without increasing the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Glucagon, a hormone
that prevents hypoglycaemia, is usually suppressed by GLP-1, but this effect disappears when blood sugar
drops, and it is not known why. In some people, mostly after abdominal surgery, GLP-1 may cause
hypoglycaemia by reducing glucagon. We want to understand why GLP-1 does not cause hypoglycaemia
more often. We propose that our nerves regulate glucagon secretion in hypoglycaemia, preventing glucagon excessive
suppression by GLP-1. To prove this, we will test how nerve stimulation can change response to
hypoglycaemia and to GPL-1 in animals, while also studying how healthy and post-surgical patients
respond. Our findings will clarify how GLP-1RAs work, identify at-risk patients, and inspire new treatments for
diabetes by changing the nerve function that alters hormone secretion.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Professor Jens Juul Holst, Department of Biomedical Sciences, UCPH
Clinical mentor: Associate Professor Carsten Dirksen, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Amager and Hvidovre Hospital
Supplementary mentor: Professor Tricia Tan, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College
London
Project description and mentor team
Redefining Childhood Obesity: Multi-Omics Profiling for Early Identification of High-Risk Endotypes and Targeted Interventions
Childhood obesity is a serious health issue, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Body mass
index (BMI) remains the main tool in paediatric obesity care, but it doesn’t show which children are truly
at risk. My project will identify early blood markers that predict future obesity-related health risks, helping
doctors screen and support children more effectively. With a unique study following children’s metabolism
from birth to adolescence, I will track patterns over time to improve early risk assessment.
With five years of clinical experience and expertise in advanced data analysis, I have seen firsthand how
early risk factors shape long-term health. My research has already linked metabolism to childhood
development, and this project builds on that work to refine obesity care. By moving beyond BMI, we can
ensure at-risk children receive timely, targeted support, improving their health and reducing lifelong disease
risks.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Thomas Jepps, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Associate Professor Rikke Beck Jensen, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen
Supplementary basic mentor: Professor Morten Arendt Rasmussen, Computational Food- and Health
Science University of Copenhagen and COPSAC
Supplementary basic mentor: Professor Ruth Loos, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic
Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen
Project description and mentor team
Elucidating the Role of NAD Metabolism in Adult-Onset Mitochondrial Myopathy Using Stable Isotope Tracing
Mitochondrial myopathy is a condition caused by defects in mitochondria - the "powerhouses" of our cells. It leads to severe muscle weakness, fatigue, and difficulty performing basic physical tasks like walking. Currently, there are no effective treatments for this disease. However, evidence suggests that a molecule called NAD+, which supports energy production, may play a critical role, as NAD+ levels are reduced in patients with mitochondrial myopathy. Our project aims to investigate whether the NAD+ imbalance is due to reduced production or excessive use. Using advanced techniques, we will assess NAD+ production and consumption in patients with mitochondrial myopathy and test whether a novel NAD+-boosting compound (NR-IV) can restore balance and improve symptoms of disease. Our findings could clarify how changes in NAD+ contribute to mitochondrial myopathy and offer proof-of-concept for a new treatment strategy to improve the quality of life for patients living with this disease.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Jonas Thue Treebak, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Professor John Vissing, Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center (CNMC), Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet
Project description and mentor team
Nature-derived hormone-mimicking peptides as novel cardiometabolic therapeutics
Obesity is a growing global health concern, prompting the need for new and effective treatments. Secretin (SCT), a gut-brain hormone, plays a key role in fat metabolism by promoting fat breakdown and increasing energy expenditure in brown adipose tissues through the secretin receptor (SCTR), making SCT an attractive target for obesity treatment. This project will evaluate the therapeutic potential of secretin as obesity treatment and investigate SCTR signaling networks in adipose tissues. By utilizing cutting-edge human patient adipose tissues and preclinical mouse models, this research enhances clinical translatability and bridges species differences. Ultimately, this work aims to advance new generation of obesity treatments with improved safety and efficacy.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Zachary Gerhart-Hines, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Associate Professor Asger Bach Lund, Head of Center for Clinical Metabolic Research,
Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
Supplementary mentor: Associate Professor Helena Safavi-Hemami, Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah
Project description and mentor team
Uncovering maternal and environmental contribution of high BMI pregnancy to early embryo development
Women are born with all the eggs in their bodies. This means that the environment in the ovary can have a positive or negative effect on the eggs throughout a woman's life. In cases such as diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or high maternal weight, the nutrients that are stored in the egg as well as the environment the embryo experiences in the fallopian tube and uterus differ from healthy women. These changes affect the metabolism of the embryo and its development. In our work, we aim to investigate these two aspects and separate their contribution to the metabolism of the early embryo. By understanding when maternal nutrient stores or the in vitro culture environment contribute to embryo development, we aim to identify ways to restore healthy embryo metabolism. This could for example be done by personalizing IVF medium of mothers with high BMI, improving IVF success rates and health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Jan Jakub Żylicz, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Professor Henriette Svarre Nielsen, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen
Project description and mentor team
Pre-targeted Radioligand Therapy of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases
Breast cancer that has spread to the brain presents a major challenge for treatment because the protective barrier around the brain, the blood-brain barrier, effectively prohibits drugs from reaching the tumors. For patients with HER2-positive breast cancer metastases, the risk of brain metastases is particularly high, affecting up to half of all cases. We are developing a two-step treatment approach to overcome this barrier. First, we use a modified antibody that can both cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to cancer cells. Subsequently, a small radioactive molecule that specifically attaches to this antibody is used to deliver localized radiation therapy to the cancer cells. The same approach is used for diagnosis, which allows for selecting patients who will respond to treatment, prior to treatment. If successful, this strategy could provide a new option for treating brain metastases of breast cancer, potentially extending and improving the lives of patients.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Professor Matthias M. Herth, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Professor Andreas Kjær, Department of Clinical Physiology & Nuclear Medicine, Rigshospitalet
Life science mentor: CEO Francesco Sergi-Lindell, PreTT ApS
Project description and mentor team
Maternal Interventions to Reduce Asthma (MIRA): Targeting Novel Endotypes in Early Life
Asthma is a common childhood disorder with a varying presentation representing many disease subtypes with different underlying mechanisms. Uncovering such mechanisms on a molecular level in early life can potentially lead to personalized prevention of asthma before birth. By studying complex longitudinal plasma metabolomics profiles from two large trials involving 1,500 mother-child pairs, I have discovered that changes in oxylipins during pregnancy are associated with a specific asthma subtype that may be prevented by providing a n-3 LCPUFA supplement in pregnancy. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the oxylipin-associated asthma subtype and explore personalized prevention strategies. Using data from the COPSAC2010 and VDAART birth cohorts, complemented by studies in transgenic mice, this research project aims to create a personalized strategy to prevent childhood asthma before birth.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Camilla Hartmann Friis Hansen, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, UCPH
Clinical mentor: Professor Bo Chawes, COPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood & Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, UCPH
Life science mentor: Morten Danielsen, PhD, General Manager, Clinical Microbiomics Biotechnology Company.
Liudmyla Lototska
Fellow 2025-2027
MSc, PhD
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM)
Project description and mentor team
Targeting the mitotic DNA damage response in cancer
This project aims to study how cells respond to DNA damage during cell division, particularly in cancer. We will focus on a newly discovered protein that helps to hold broken chromosomes together during this process. We will investigate how this protein interacts with other proteins and its role in repairing DNA damage. We will also explore the potential of using certain inhibitors, combined with chemo- and radiotherapy, to treat cancers with defects in a specific DNA repair mechanism. To achieve this, we will use advanced laboratory techniques to study protein interactions and functions. We will also use mouse models to test the effects of the inhibitors on tumor growth and treatment response. Our research could lead to new cancer therapies by targeting specific weaknesses in cancer cells, improving treatment outcomes, and reducing resistance to conventional treatments. This work aims to bridge basic research and clinics, potentially leading to new therapies and future clinical trials.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Andrew Blackford, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Associate Professor Kim Theilgaard-Mønch, Department of Hematology & Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen
Project description and mentor team
REPAIR-IBD: In vivo characterization of human colonic mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease
Wound healing is a vital process that can be disrupted in chronic inflammatory diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to intestinal damage and lifelong complications with loss of organ function. Research indicates that even when IBD is in remission, healing is slower compared to healthy individuals, and changes in the immune response might contribute to this. The REPAIR_IBD study aims to understand the mechanisms underlying impaired wound healing in IBD by utilizing a controlled injury model to collect tissue samples over time, analyze temporal changes in the tissue, determine the alterations in disease, and identify new therapeutic targets. Ultimately, this study hopes to identify potential treatment targets to prevent disease relapses and scarring, in order to pave the way for novel therapies that promote effective healing, prevent disease progression, and enhance patients’ quality of life.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Professor William W. Agace, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Associate Professor Jakob Seidelin, Department of Digestive Diseases and Transplantation, Rigshospitalet and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen
Supplementary basic mentor: Associate Professor Lars Rønn Olsen, Department of Immunology and Microbiology
(ISIM), University of Copenhagen
Nathalie Friis Wang
Fellow 2025-2027
MSc, PhD
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM)
Project description and mentor team
Predictive value, Efficacy, and Safety of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) in human embryos
As women age, chromosomal abnormalities in eggs and embryos become more common, making it harder to conceive and increasing the risk of miscarriages and birth defects. A method to identify and deselect embryos with chromosomal abnormalities during fertility treatment would therefore be highly valuable. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a promising genetic test that examines the embryos chromosomal status through a biopsy taken 5-7 days after fertilisation. However, more research is needed with regards to the interpretation, efficacy, and safety of PGT-A before it can be used clinically. This BRIDGE fellowship project aims to explore the origin of human chromosomal abnormalities, thereby improving PGT-A result interpretation, evaluate the use of spent culture medium as a non-invasive biopsy alternative, and assess the efficacy and safety of PGT-A in a randomized trial, paving the way for its integration into public fertility clinics in Denmark.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Professor Eva Hoffmann, DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability (CCS), Department of
Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Professor Anja Pinborg, The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynecology, Fertility and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen
Life science mentor: Antonio Capalbo, Chief Scientific Officer at Juno Genetics
Supplementary mentor: Associate professor Kristine Løssl, The Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynecology, Fertility and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen
Project description and mentor team
DETECT/REACT: Detection of subclinical atherosclerosis – preparation for a future nationwide screening and early intervention against atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of cholesterol, and inflammatory factors and cells in the walls of arteries throughout the body gradually narrowing or blocking the blood flow to organs which can cause myocardial infarction, stroke or sudden cardiac death. Atherosclerosis causes almost one in three deaths worldwide. The disease proceeds from an early asymptomatic – or silent – phase which may last decades from childhood before the breakthrough of symptoms and overt disease. This proposal is part of the large, international REACT initiative, which in unprecedented detail will characterise the “silent phase” and develop novel methods for early detection and treatment of atherosclerosis – with the overall aim to establishing the scientific foundation for future nationwide screening and treatment of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Professor Simon Rasmussen, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research,
University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Clinical Professor Henning Bundgaard, Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet
Clinical mentor: Clinical Professor Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet
Life science mentor: Professor Kees Hovingh, Chief Scientific Advisor, Novo Nordisk, Denmark
Project description and mentor team
Unravelling the role of the IGF system in carotid artery disease and its potential for therapeutic intervention using ex vivo plaque culture and multi-omics methods
Strokes, caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries that supply the brain, are a major cause of death and disability. Some plaques are stable, with a low risk of rupture, but the mechanisms that induce these, rather than unstable and rupture-prone plaques, are unknown. Discovery of these mechanisms and therapeutic agents that regulate them could help prevent strokes. In this project, I will culture plaques from patients outside the body (ex vivo) to characterize mechanisms that differentiate stable and unstable plaques, and to test if a promising therapeutic agent, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), can induce more stable characteristics. Blood biomarkers and ultrasound images will be correlated with plaque subtype and treatment outcome for potential individualized treatment and risk assessment. This project is expected to pave the way for future clinical trials with IGF-1, while showing the value of this ex vivo model for pre-clinical drug-testing.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Professor Michael Jonathan Davies, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Professor Jonas Peter Eiberg, Vascular Research Unit, Department of Vascular Surgery, Rigshospitalet
Project description and mentor team
Glucose regulation, GLP-1 secretion, and intestinal barrier function in children with liver transplantation and fibrosis
Children with end-stage liver disease need to get a liver transplantation (LTX) to survive. But LTX has
complications including diabetes from immunosuppression in adults, change in gut bacteria and leaky
intestinal barrier resulting in more infections and liver fibrosis. It is unknown if the same changes are
happening in children. We aim to investigate if children with LTX have fibrosis, prediabetes, and leaky
intestinal barrier; if treatment with gut hormones (GLP-1 and GLP-2), which are known to improve gut
health, can reduce fibrosis and intestinal barrier leakiness in rats with fibrosis; and if treatment with diabetes
medication (GLP-1) can reverse the prediabetes and fibrosis in rats with fibrosis who receive
immunosuppression. If these treatments work, children with liver transplantation can potentially be treated
with GLP-1 to prevent development of diabetes and with GLP-1/GLP-2 to reduce leakiness of the intestine
and subsequent increased infection risk and liver fibrosis.
Mentors
Basic mentor: Associate Professor Hannelouise Kissow, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen
Clinical mentor: Clinical Associate Professor, Consultant Vibeke Brix Christensen, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen, University Hospital Rigshospitalet
Life science mentor: Professor Filip Knop, Senior Medical Officer for Diabetes & Obesity, Corporate Vice President at Novo Nordisk A/S