Among the shelves of academic books and dissertations in Morten Sommer's office, there is a small refrigerator with sparkling wine ready for the professor and his research team to pop when a scientific article is published.
And there has certainly been much to celebrate, because in the 14 years that the enterprising research group has existed as part of DTU Biosustain, headed by Professor Morten Sommer, the team has published around 150 scientific articles and, on average, founded a new company every year based on ideas developed within the group.
"We have a strong collaborative culture, and members of the group are mindful of how they can deliver innovative results through close collaboration for the benefit of human and planetary health. This culture also provides optimum opportunities for individual development, enabling them to contribute to industry or research development when they leave my group," says Morten Sommer.
Creating value for the benefit of society
His own career has also given him much to celebrate. For example, when he earned his PhD from the prestigious Harvard University ahead of schedule—even though he took the time during his studies to found a successful company, which he subsequently sold. Or when, at the age of 28, he was appointed professor—the youngest ever in Denmark.
Morten Sommer's name also appears on more than 150 scientific articles. However, he himself highlights last year's approval of a new type of antibiotic for the US market for the treatment of urinary tract infections in women as the biggest milestone. He has been involved in developing the medicine at one of the companies he helped found.
"This was the first time in over 20 years that an antibiotic for uncomplicated urinary tract infections was approved in the US. We expect this product will help a lot of patients, so it feels like an important milestone," he explains.
