From microbiology to meaningful solutions: Meet our new Programme Manager at Plant2Food

Peter has been fascinated with nature’s own solutions, such as fermentation, long before they became mainstream. The biological processes he has studied are now more relevant than ever in the development of plant-based foods and sustainable solutions.

With a background in microbiology and a career revolving around everything from research and project management to collaboration between industry and academia, Peter Langborg Wejse is ready to accelerate research-based innovation in his new role as Programme Manager at Plant2Food: “I’ve been involved in many research projects and learned a lot across a wide range of scientific disciplines. It’s given me a solid foundation as a platform leader—both in matching companies with the right researchers and ensuring good dialogue throughout the process,” Peter states.

In his new role as Programme Manager, Peter will become a bridge between research and reality. After earning his PhD, Peter worked with microbiology in both drinking water and process water, while simultaneously gaining experience in project management. But one focus has remained constant throughout his career: “From my very first permanent position, I’ve worked to strengthen the collaboration between businesses and universities,” Peter states.

For Peter, research is not just about knowledge, it is about application. Time and again, he has seen major changes happen when companies gain access to research-based solutions and researchers are presented with real-world challenges: “It makes so much sense to make researchers’ solutions understandable and applicable to companies and to see the practical impact it can have,” Peter says.

His professional journey has led him deep into the world of microbiology and beyond—into the many possibilities where research meets practice. “I want to put knowledge into action and create new insights that solve real-world problems,” he explains.

Open Innovation in Science: Tackling big challenges together

“Open Innovation allows us to bring together many stakeholders around the big, fundamental problems. The ones too large, for any single company to tackle alone,” He explains. For Peter, the Open Innovation in Science model has a tremendous potential, not just as a new way of collaborating, but as a necessity in a time of large, complex challenges.

It’s about sharing knowledge openly and freely, removing barriers such as patents and licensing agreements and shift the focus to getting solutions into play quickly: “The collaboration agreement is set from the beginning, so you can get started quickly. It saves time—and the knowledge is shared with everyone. In many ways, it’s the ideal version of what science can be: open, accessible, and beneficial to the world,” Peter states.

And then there’s the joy of working in an environment where openness and shared goals are guiding principles: “It’s a pleasure to be part of something where the ambition is to put research into action and create a better future. At the same time it is fun, educational, and meaningful,” Peter says.

Programme Manager with a keen eye for people and potential

In his new role as Programme Manager at Plant2Food, Peter approaches the task with both structure and dedication: “First and foremost, it’s about gaining an overview of the workflows and ongoing projects. But also, continuously keeping an eye out for areas where we can improve ourselves, and knowing when it’s time to take the next step.”

Leaning into his new role, it’s not just the professional challenges Peter is excited about, it’s above all the collaboration with the many skilled and dedicated people: “Engaging in dialogue with both researchers and companies, that gives me energy. That’s where I learn the most, and that’s where I can contribute the most,” Peter says.

The core of his work will be ensuring that research funding is used and allocated optimally - and that starts with identifying the right challenges: “It’s crucial that we work with companies to identify the areas where real progress can be made. That’s where we can have the greatest impact,” Peter states.

With a strong scientific foundation, years of experience in collaborative projects, and a significant belief in the role of research in societal development, Peter Langborg Wejse is ready to lead Plant2Food’s work into its next phase—with curiosity, scientific rigor, and a passionate commitment to making knowledge work in the real world.