Chris Bettinger joins the Novo Nordisk Foundation as Vice President of Biotechnology. He brings deep knowledge and a clear vision that will help translate bold research-based initiatives into societal impact.

Chris Bettinger brings a strong combination of international perspective, leadership experience, and deep expertise in biotechnology, biomaterials, and mission-driven research. He is particularly focused on translating cutting-edge research into solutions within fields such as synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, and sustainability.

“I am excited to join the exceptional team at the Novo Nordisk Foundation,” says Chris Bettinger.

Chris Bettinger previously served as a Programme Manager at the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the United States and as a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. He has also held visiting professorships in both Sweden and Switzerland.

“The Foundation’s commitment to improving life through science and technology is inspiring. I look forward to contributing to this mission,” adds Chris Bettinger.

Lene Oddershede, Chief Scientific Officer, Planetary Science & Technology, highlights Chris Bettinger’s ability to create value across the international biotechnology ecosystem:

“In Chris Bettinger, we get a prominent international profile who has a proven track record of turning visions into concrete results. He has a unique ability to set ambitious goals while giving the researchers involved the freedom to find the best paths to achieve them. This approach is an excellent match for the challenges we wish to address within the biosolutions area going forward, and I look forward to working closely with him on this,” says Lene Oddershede.

Increased focus on biosolutions
In recent years, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has supported several significant, international initiatives within biotechnology and biosolutions. The overarching goal is to enable global solutions and collaboration that can help solve some of the biggest global challenges and improve human and planetary health.

Among these initiatives are:

• BRIGHT – Novo Nordisk Foundation Biotechnology Research Institute for the Green Transition: A comprehensive initiative at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where researchers and industry partners collaborate to unlock the potential of biosolutions. The aim is to accelerate the development of biosolutions and strengthen the bio-based economy in Europe.
• Transforming CO₂ into nutritious food: An international consortium of research and industry partners with a shared mission to develop, scale and test solutions that can transform carbon dioxide (CO₂) into nutritious food for a growing world population. The consortium is co-funded by Gates Foundation.
• CORC – Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Research Center: International research centre based at Aarhus University in Denmark, dedicated to developing knowledge and technology for capturing and recycling carbon dioxide (CO₂). The mission is to develop new methods and technologies that can help replace fossil carbon and fossil fuel‐intensive processes with sustainable, CO₂‐based technologies.