Two Industrial PhDs from Aarhus University and Novo Nordisk A/S agree that their PhD programme during which they are both enrolled at the university and employed at the company is the optimal career choice when the goal is a career as a researcher. Both benefit from the partnership that Aarhus University and Novo Nordisk A/S have just entered into.

2013.10.15 | Sabina Bjerre Hansen

The two Industrial PhD students Mette Ladefoged (on the left) and Lise Høj Thomsen (on the right) benefit from the parthership bewteen Aarhus Universitet and Novo Nordisk A/S and combine theory and practice in their everyday working lives.

Living on Zealand. But studying at Aarhus University in Jutland and working in the town of Måløv near Copenhagen. This is everyday life for Mette Ladefoged and Lise Høj Thomsen. Both are enrolled as Industrial PhD students at Aarhus University and employed with Novo Nordisk A/S.

Practice-centred research leads to greater insight

Mette Ladefoged’s PhD agreement was the first result of a partnership recently signed by Aarhus University and Novo Nordisk A/S. Her research focuses on diabetes-related eye conditions, specifically on late complications that can cause visual impairment in diabetes patients.

According to Mette Ladefoged, a career in research was always on the cards for her. And as she was already employed with Novo Nordisk A/S, a partnership with Novo and Aarhus University seemed like an obvious possibility.

“I want to acquire as much knowledge and experience as possible within my field of research. And I’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so as an Industrial PhD student. The programme will allow me to gain insight into both academic and industrial research, and I’ll have the opportunity to put my theoretical knowledge to good use,” explains Mette Ladefoged, who is one year into her Industrial PhD programme.

Access to the latest research and insight into the industry

Lise Høj Thomsen, who specialises in diabetic kidney disease, is also employed with Novo Nordisk A/S. She recently embarked on her Industrial PhD. She was working on her MSc thesis at the company when she became aware of the opportunity to do an industry-focused PhD degree.

"An Industrial PhD gives me the best of both worlds. At the university, I have access to the best and most recent research. And in the company I get insight into how my research can be used in practice,” says Lise Høj Thomsen.

Improved treatment is a motivational factor

“Professionally as well as personally I of course hope that my research results will take our existing knowledge a step further. I would like to describe the influence of the immune system on the development of diabetic kidney disease. And it would be great if my business focus helped open some doors career-wise,” says Lise Høj Thomsen.

Mette Ladefoged also predicts that the practice-oriented PhD programme can lead to better career opportunities.

"I would like to contribute to improving our understanding of diabetes-related eye conditions and to put my knowledge to use in the development of new medicines. It so motivates me that my research is rooted in practice and that it may ultimately benefit a great number of diabetes patients. And with both theoretical insight and practical experience I’ll be in a strong position when I need to apply for my next job,” says Mette Ladefoged.

New business partnership

Novo Nordisk A/S and Aarhus University signed a comprehensive partnership agreement on 3 October 2013. The partnership will create unique opportunities to strengthen research into diabetes complications and treatment, and new positions will be established, for example for Industrial PhDs and postdocs.

Read more in the article ”Public-private partnership to advance Danish diabetes research.”

What is an Industrial PhD?

An Industrial PhD is a three-year, industry-oriented PhD programme. On this programme, the doctoral student is employed by a company and enrolled in a doctoral programme at a university at the same time. Furthermore, both private and public third parties may be associated with the project.

Read more about the Industrial PhD Programme at the website of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education.