Faculty of Applied Sciences

20 March 2024

Jack Pronk receives the 2024 Novozymes Prize

The Novo Nordisk Foundation proudly announces Professor Jack Pronk as the recipient of the 2024 Novozymes Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to industrial biotechnology. His transformative research in yeast physiology and metabolic engineering has not only revolutionised biofuel and chemical production but has also provided critical solutions to longstanding challenges in sustainable bioprocesses. At the turn of the century, as the world faced the looming climate crisis spurred by fossil-fuel consumption, the importance of alternative fuels became increasingly apparent. Bioethanol emerged as a promising solution, yet its production from non-food sources posed significant challenges. “It had been a dream for decades to establish a biobased economy utilising microorganisms. An example is producing fuel ethanol from sugar using yeast, which efficiently converts glucose into ethanol. However, this approach was controversial because unlimited expansion could lead to competition with food production,” explains Jack Pronk, Professor and Head of the Department of Biotechnology at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands. Although yeast could efficiently turn sugars from fruits and other edible sources into bioethanol, the metabolism of sugars from agricultural waste streams posed a critical hurdle for economical bioethanol conversion, since traditional yeast strains struggled to utilise pentose sugars, which are abundant in agricultural residues. In a groundbreaking collaboration with fellow microbiologist Huub Op den Camp from Radboud University Nijmegen, Jack Pronk discovered a potential solution in an unlikely source – the anaerobic fungus Piromyces sp. strain E2, isolated from the faeces of an Indian elephant. This fungus harboured a xylose isomerase gene that held the key to unlocking the pentose challenge. “The result initiated years of research, increasingly involving collaboration with the company DSM,” states Jack Pronk. “Through this process, baker’s yeast was adapted for processing pentose sugars from agricultural waste streams.” “Jack Pronk is one of Europe’s foremost leaders in innovative, sustainable biotechnology using microbes for environmentally friendly conversion of waste streams into biofuels and fine chemicals. The fundamental research and the knowledge generated about the functioning of yeast and fungi from Jack Pronk’s laboratory has been the basis for a wide range of commercial applications with clear societal impact, as demonstrated by their full-scale industrial implementation. The Novo Nordisk Foundation is proud to recognise Jack Pronk’s excellence in research with the 2024 Novozymes Prize,” says Professor Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. By 2010, the modified yeast could efficiently convert the most important sugars from plant residues into ethanol, paving the way for sustainable biofuel production technologies. Despite setbacks in large-scale implementation, Jack Pronk believes that the production of ethanol from agricultural residues will make a comeback. Ethanol is not only useful as a transport fuel but also as a precursor for compounds ranging from ethylene to aviation fuel. “I do see a future for ethanol, produced by low-emission technologies, as a generic feedstock for production of food protein, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. There is huge potential for its production from agricultural residues. I am convinced that genetically modified microorganisms, be they yeasts, bacteria or fungi, will enable cost-effective and sustainable ethanol production from these feedstocks.” The 2024 Novozymes Prize therefore celebrates Professor Jack Pronk’s exceptional contributions to industrial biotechnology, highlighting his innovative solutions to longstanding challenges and his enduring commitment to sustainable bioprocesses. His work exemplifies the transformative potential of biotechnology in addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future. “The advances Jack Pronk has made, especially with using yeast, are based on exceptionally deep knowledge of physiology and metabolism, rooted in rigorous fundamental research. His superb understanding of how a yeast cell operates has directly translated into Jack being able to exploit yeast cells as industrial-level factories for producing fuels and chemicals. He clearly is a world leader in industrial biotechnology and fermentation science, with a specific focus on developing sustainable bioprocesses that help to reduce waste streams and carbon footprint,” concludes Professor Detlef Weigel, Chair of the Committee on the Novozymes Prize. About Professor Jack Pronk 1986 MSc in biology (cum laude), Leiden University 1991 PhD in microbial physiology, TU Delft 1991-1999 Assistant Professor, TU Delft 1999- Professor of Industrial Microbiology, TU Delft 2002-2013 Co-founder and Scientific Director, Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial Fermentation 2015 Fellow of the American Society of Microbiology 2015 Professor of Excellence Award, TU Delft 2018 International Metabolic Engineering Award 2019- Head of the Department of Biotechnology, TU Delft 2020 Member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences 2021 Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion About the Novozymes Prize The Novozymes Prize recognises outstanding research or technology contributions that benefit the development of biotechnological science for innovative solutions. The Prize is awarded annually and is intended to further raise awareness of basic and applied biotechnology research. The Prize is accompanied by DKK 5 million (€672,000) and comprises a DKK 4.5 million (€605,000) research grant and a personal award of DKK 0.5 million (€67,000). The Foundation will award an additional DKK 0.5 million for hosting an international symposium within the recipient’s field(s) of research. Further information TU Delft: Charlotte de Kort, Communications Manager TNW, +31 (0)6 140 15 135, c.g.w.dekort@tudelft.nl Novo Nordisk Foundation: Christian Mostrup, Senior Lead, Corporate Affairs, +45 3067 4805, cims@novo.dk Prof. Jack Pronk Head of department / Full professor +31 15 2783214 j.t.pronk@tudelft.nl Room number: B58.C1.080

14 March 2024

Pioneering new ‘MasterPlus’ Programme In Optics And Photonics

Delft Universitry of Technology, PhotonDelta and Optics Netherlands have launched a first-of-its-kind ‘MasterPlus’ Programme in Optics and Photonics (MPOP) – in partnership with the Netherlands’ other technology universities. The programme will start in September 2024 and function as a talent pipeline for the optics and photonics industry, which makes a significant contribution to the Dutch economy, and has a strong annual growth rate. By integrating academic expertise with industry needs, the programme promises to produce highly skilled professionals poised to drive innovation and growth in the field. The need for talent is growing. The Netherlands is a hub of innovation for optics and photonics, with a vibrant collaborative ecosystem. Professionals in optics and photonics help shape the future of technology and drive global innovations via cutting-edge projects in areas such as data communications, sensing technology, medical imaging, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Eligible master’s students in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering can expect challenge-based projects, as well as unique internships with industry-leading companies and innovative startups, including ASML, Signify, SMART Photonics, and LioniX International. They will also work alongside renowned research institutes like SRON, and Imec. The initiative is organised by the 4TU.Federation . The MasterPlus Programme in Optics and Photonics (MPOP) – supported by PhotonDelta and Optics Netherlands – will go live in September 2024.. Lecture at Delft University of Technology with Aurèle Adam, Programme Director of the Master Applied Physics. Credits TU Delft Aurele Adam, Programme Director of the Masters in Applied Physics at TU Delft: “The MPOP is key for Dutch technical universities as it fosters collaboration and encourages expertise in an essential field. In an era driven by technological innovation, the focus on optics and photonics is paramount for advancing diverse sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and renewable energy.” Three universities of technology in the Netherlands are set to offer a new specialisation in Optics and Photonics within existing master’s programmes in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering. Each university will deliver its own specialist courses in optics and photonics, as well as facilitating inter-university activities and training, giving students the flexibility to attend courses across different university campuses. An array of scientific and social activities will be on offer, as well as first-hand industry experience. “By providing students with profound knowledge and practical skills in optics, the programme not only ensures the competitiveness of Dutch universities” , says Aurèle Adam. “But it also boosts the Dutch industry in cutting-edge research and applications.” VLLAIR: Van Leeuwenhoek Laboratory for Advanced Imaging Research – TU Delft - FOTO GUUS SCHOONEWILLE Part of a national programme, the flexible and innovative MPOP aims to open doors to diverse industries – from agri-food to automotive – with promising job prospects in R&D and academia. With the sector poised for significant growth over the next few years – and attracting both public and private investment – MPOP is designed to bring technical talent into the industry. Adding to the Netherlands’ vibrant optics and photonics ecosystem, PhotonDelta and Optics Netherlands are coordinating efforts to foster a fertile ground for corporate giants, startups, and research endeavours. These organisations – and the surrounding ecosystem – are committed to stimulation and growth of the optics and photonics capabilities of the Netherlands, making it a true global hub of innovation in this field. MPOP MPOP Programme Aurèle Adam Optics Netherlands www.opticsnetherlands.com PhotonDelta http://www.photondelta.com
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