By David Graff, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photos: Lars Svankjær/Videnskabernes Selskab

The invisible world of bacteria comes to light when Mads Albertsen uses sequencing to map their DNA. This knowledge can, for example, be used for better treatment of sepsis and for the development of biological solutions that can reduce the carbon footprint in agriculture and food production.

The sequencing method also proved to be extremely valuable for society when the COVID-19 epidemic raged, and Mads Albertsen's research group made their facilities available to sequence SARS-CoV-2 genomes from the intensive testing in Denmark.

Double honor

Following this accomplishment, Mads Albertsen was honoured with the Elite Research Prize earlier this year, bestowed by HM Queen Mary.

Subsequently, on Wednesday, April 10, he was awarded the Science Prize from the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, personally presented by HM Queen Margrethe II, after whom the prize is named.

"I'm incredibly proud! This recognition truly honors the hard work of my research team over the past years," says Mads Albertsen.

The recognition is evident in the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters' recommendation of Mads Albertsen:

"His research has led him to exciting collaborations with researchers around the world, where the result has been groundbreaking improvements in our ability to sequence microorganisms and isolate individual microbe genomes from a large and complex sea of DNA and RNA. Denmark is fortunate to benefit from the expertise of individuals like Mads within the country."

Hunting for the last 99 percent

And the work has only just begun: Less than 1 percent of the genetic material for nature's bacterial species is known today, and since bacteria influence everything from our health to the bio-based economy and our climate, there may be much to gain by gaining knowledge about the last 99 percent.

"Bacteria form the foundation for so many other essential processes on our planet and in our daily lives, and I believe that we can map their DNA over the next 10 years," he explains.

Mads Albertsen and colleagues have already started mapping: In the Micro Flora Danica project, which will be completed shortly, they have mapped all of Denmark's bacteria. Now, the bacteria from the rest of the world await.

"It is fantastic to be able to explore and find something that no one else has seen before, and to have the opportunity to work with incredibly talented colleagues and students," he explains.

Translated by Sinem Tunc, AAU Communication and Public Affairs