Who is the Croatian International Working on the Groundbreaking Project Of Cultivating Microalgae in Space at the Danish Technological Institute?

Before we get to the project itself, we need to understand the concept of Biosolutions. Denmark has been leading the conversation on the impact of these solutions in tackling our most contemporary problems.

What are Biosolutions?

In the Week 33, 16th August 2024, edition of Ingeni?ren , Denmark's leading technology newspaper, a sponsored article by DTU Bioengineering titled "Biosolutions: Denmark's New Green Growth Engine" featured insights from Dr. Andreas Worberg , CCO at DTU Biosustain .

In the article (in Danish), Dr. Andreas Worberg discusses the challenge of increasing biodiversity while maintaining profitable agriculture, stating that "Biosolutions" are the key to achieving both.

According to the Biosolutions Technology Center at the Teknologisk Institut (DTI), Biosolutions represent a diverse, interdisciplinary field within biotechnology that offers innovative solutions across various sectors. These solutions help tackle challenges in food production, agriculture, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and industrial processes.

Cellular Agricultural Research in Space and DTI

32-year-old Croatian international Nikola Medi? is currently working at the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), aiming to unlock the potential of microalgae.

After graduating with a master's degree from the University of Zagreb / Sveu?ili?te u Zagrebu, Nikola moved to Denmark to pursue a PhD at K?benhavns Universitet - University of Copenhagen in 2018.

"It was some of the professors in Croatia who inspired me to enter the field of microbiology. I remember learning that microalgae produced half of the oxygen on Earth during one of the classes. I was fascinated from that point onwards. I think microalgae are among the most important organisms on our planet."

After earning his PhD in 2021, Nikola interned at the Statens Naturhistoriske Museum . Although initially inclined to continue his academic research on toxic microalgae, which harm oceans and human health, he soon shifted his focus at DTI towards exploring the sustainable biotechnological applications of microalgae.

Microalgae in Space

This would be the first time in history that heterotrophic microalgae strains are cultivated in Space. The mission is to push the boundaries of innovation in space agriculture using microalgae. This project originated from a collaboration with a startup in Singapore and another in Germany, focusing on a space-related endeavour. The goal is to test the growth of heterotrophic microalgae cultivation—essentially microalgae fermentation—in space.

"When I first learned about my involvement in this project, I was thrilled. My background is in marine biology, focusing on microalgae, so the idea of something from the sea being sent to space was incredible."

Nikola is conducting preliminary tests on Earth using small chambers called "science shells," optimizing conditions and assessing survival parameters. The plan is to send these to the International Space Station in early 2025 to observe how microalgae grow in microgravity and under cosmic radiation. " We're particularly interested in whether these conditions might enhance protein production and affect cell wall structure, potentially making it easier to extract valuable components."

Nikola believes this project has the potential to revolutionize space exploration, from food production to wastewater recycling and even biofuel generation. Microalgae could play a crucial role in sustaining long-term missions and future colonization efforts, such as on Mars, by providing essential resources compactly and efficiently.

More info can be read here:

The appeal of working at DTI

"The Danish Technological Institute is a bridge between academia and industry"

Nikola emphasizes that DTI functions as a technological provider, particularly within the Center for Bioresourcer, where microalgae are utilized as a sustainable bioresource. This focus on innovation allows DTI to contribute to the global shift away from fossil fuels, positioning microalgae as a viable alternative for producing oils and proteins.

Moreover, Denmark’s strong commitment to biosolutions and green transition makes it an exciting place to work. "Denmark is at the forefront of the green transition in Europe, making biosolutions a hot topic and a key area of investment and development", the Croatian scientist explains.

Nikola confesses that he had a few international colleagues in the beginning. However, DTI fosters a supportive environment for its international staff through an international network that allows employees from different centers to connect and share their experiences. This network also includes a weekly international lunch, providing opportunities for networking and cultural exchange. In Nikola's center, the international presence is continuously growing, bringing together people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Despite the differences, this cultural diversity enhances teamwork, creating a cohesive and dynamic team.

Living in Copenhagen and the Danish Workplace Culture

When Nikola Medi? first arrived in Denmark in March 2018, he was struck by the dramatic and rapid changes in the weather. Nikola found Danish people to be warm and welcoming, contrary to the stereotype that Scandinavians are cold and reserved. He attributes this to his extroverted nature, believing that openness and how you approach others can influence how warm or cold people are towards you.

Working on his PhD in Denmark provided Nikola with a level of financial stability he hadn't experienced in Croatia. Unlike in Croatia, where PhD students often have to take on extra work to supplement their income, the salary for PhD students in Denmark allows them to live comfortably, enjoy leisure activities, and attend festivals without financial stress. This financial freedom, combined with a flexible work culture, contributed to a better work-life balance and higher productivity in Nikola's case.

In reflecting on his academic journey, Nikola highlighted the pressures in academia that lead to burnout. The competitive nature of securing permanent positions or new roles often requires overworking, publishing extensively, and constantly proving one's worth. In contrast, his current role at the Danish Technological Institute offers a more balanced and less stressful environment, which he finds more conducive to creativity and well-being.

"It would be really sad if I would define myself only as a scientist"

Nikola Medi? maintains a balanced and fulfilling life beyond his work in science. His daily routine includes going to the gym, running, and working out, which he finds essential for clearing his mind and staying refreshed.

He is also passionate about music, frequently attending concerts and festivals, and has recently taken up piano and music production as new hobbies. Nikola values spending time with friends, going to the cinema, and travelling.

He believes that the stereotype of the isolated, all-consuming scientist is outdated. Instead, he advocates for a more open-minded approach, where scientists embrace diverse interests and lifestyles. To him, being a scientist is just one facet of his identity—he is also a friend, brother, and someone deeply connected to art and music. This holistic view, he believes, brings more energy and relatability to academia, making science more accessible to the public.

Nikola's journey showcases the remarkable contributions of internationals to Denmark’s biosolutions landscape. At RentCulture, we aim to bring such inspiring stories to light, breaking stereotypes and celebrating the diversity within the international community.

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Danish Technological Institute: https://www.dti.dk/

Connect with Nikola: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/nikola-medi%C4%87-322261159/

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