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AUNAB Kick-Off Symposium Marks Promising Start for New Research Network at Aarhus University

The Aarhus University Network for Artificial Biology (AUNAB) officially launched on Friday, April 4, with a full-day kick-off symposium hosted at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO).

Bringing together nearly 100 participants, both in person and online, the event marked a strong beginning for the new interdisciplinary initiative focused on artificial biology and the engineering of life.

The symposium opened with welcoming remarks from Vice-Dean Poul Nissen, Associate Profesor Ebbe Sloth Andersen, and Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Julian Valero Moreno, who outlined the vision and objectives of AUNAB—a platform designed to strengthen collaboration across scientific disciplines and spark new insights into the frontiers of artificial biology.

The scientific program featured an impressive lineup of speakers from across Denmark, each contributing unique perspectives to the theme of artificial life.

  • Professor Birthe Kragelund (University of Copenhagen) explored early molecular complexity in her talk “Binding in the mirror – from protein noodles to the origins of life.”
  • Associate Professor Kristian Hvidtfelt Nielsen (Aarhus University) offered historical insights into how humanity has approached the engineering of life.
  • Professor Brigitte Maria Städler (Aarhus University) presented innovations in bioengineering and biomimicry.
  • Associate Professor Christian Pascal Hirsch (Aarhus University) delved into stochastic models for learning in biological networks
  • Professor Liv Hornekær (Aarhus University) discussed catalytic processes for forming life’s molecular building blocks in space.
  • Postdoc Ane Søgaard (Aarhus University) presented research on signal transduction in artificial cells.
  • Associate Professor Álvaro R. Lara (Aarhus University) shared strategies for enhancing biomanufacturing through engineered biology.
  • Associate Professor Mette Ebbesen (Aalborg University) addressed the ethical dimensions of creating and applying artificial life systems.
Vice-Dean Poul Nissen presenting the purpose of “interdisciplinary research networks” at AU and some visions about interdisciplinarity, what is life and engineering of life.
Associate Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen presents the topic of “artificial biology” and different approaches to “designing the molecules of life and life-like systems”.
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Julián Valero Moreno presents about AUNAB, the planned activities, and about how people can engage and contribute.
Professor Birthe Brandt Kragelund was invited as the speaker for the iNANO Distinguised lecture where she gave a talk titled “Binding in the mirror – from protein noodles to the origins of life.”
The day concluded with a panel debate on interdisciplinary synergies and the future of life engineering, followed by a poster session and informal networking over pizza—fostering connections and conversations that will shape the future direction of the network.
A huge thank you to all speakers, participants, and organizers for making the AUNAB kick-off such a success. We’re excited about the collaborations and conversations this network will foster!

Learn more about AUNAB and upcoming activities on the official website.

Contact

Associate Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen
Aarhus University
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center
Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics 
Email:  esa@inano.au.dk

Tenure-track Assistant Julián Valero
Aarhus University
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center 
Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics
Email: jvalero@mbg.au.dk

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Revised 11.04.2025
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Annette Wandahl