9. September 2021

Two researchers with a connection to the DNRF receive the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize 2021

Professor Dorthe Berntsen from the Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE) at Aarhus University and Professor Eske Willerslev from the Center for GeoGenetics (CGG) at the University of Copenhagen, who both had Center of Excellence grants from the Danish National Research Foundation from 2009 to 2019, received the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize on Sunday,  September 5, 2021.

Fra venstre: bestyrelsesformand i Carlsbergfondet Flemming Besenbacher, uddannelses- og forskningsminister Jesper Petersen, professor Dorthe Berntsen, HKH Kronprinsessen, professor Eske Willerslev og præsident i Videnskabernes Selskab Marie Louise Nosch.
From left: Chairman of the Board of the Carlsberg Foundation Flemming Besenbacher, Minister of Education and Research Jesper Petersen, Professor Dorthe Berntsen, HRH Crown Princess Mary, Professor Eske Willerslev, and President of the Royal Academy Marie Louise Nosch. Photo: Martin Juul.

On Sunday, September 5, 2021, basic research was honored at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen as Professor Dorthe Berntsen from the Center on Autobiographical Memory Research (CON AMORE) at Aarhus University and Professor Eske Willerslev from the Center for GeoGenetics (CGG) at the University of Copenhagen received this year’s Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize 2021. Both Professor Berntsen and Professor Willerslev received a 10-year grant from the Danish National Research Foundation to establish CON AMORE and CGG in 2009.

“It is a big acknowledgement not only of me, but of all the people I’ve worked with – and the quality of these collaborations. At the same time, I’m happy that this prize will help put psychology – as a research discipline – on the Danish map,” said Professor Berntsen.

Excellent results in their field

While Professor Berntsen received the prize for her research on, among other things, PTSD, identity, and autobiographical memory, Professor Willerslev was honored for creating his own research field in prehistoric genetics and evolution biology. The prizes are in the amount of DKK 1 million, of which DKK 250,000 is a personal gift, and DKK 750,000 is for research.

“”Both researchers have delivered excellent results in their field over a number of years. And they have each contributed important new knowledge that makes a difference and helps us with our basic understanding of animals’ and humans’ history as well as humans’ ability to remember,” said Flemming Besenbacher, chairman of the board of the Carlsberg Foundation.

The Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize was created in 2011 to mark the bicentenary of the birth of founder J. C. Jacobsen, with the purpose of supporting two active researchers who have made vital contributions to basic research.

Read more about the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prizes 2021 at Science Report here

More information at the Carlsberg Foundation here

Watch the Carlsberg Foundation’s video about Professor Eske Willerslev here

Watch the Carlsberg Foundation’s video about Professor Dorthe Berntsen here

 

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