The Novo Nordisk Prize and the Novozymes Prize were awarded at a prize celebration event in Bagsværd, Denmark on Friday.

Poul Nissen received the 2017 Novo Nordisk Prize for his pioneering studies of the structure and function of ion pumps. Through his research, Poul Nissen has clarified in detail, among other things, how ions and nutrients are transported into and out of cells. This fundamental knowledge is very significant for understanding life processes and in combating disease.

Emmanuelle Charpentier and Virginijus Siksnys received the 2017 Novozymes Prize. They received the Prize for their pioneering research activities, which have been key in developing the CRISPR-Cas9 genetic tool – a type of molecular scissors that enables researchers to edit and modify the genes of various organisms, including bacteria, mice and even humans.

During the event, the three Prize recipients introduced their research. The evening concluded with a dinner for the nearly 300 guests, including several former Prize recipients.