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Annual award recipient puts molecules on the menu

How can we make the food of the future appealing and nutritious while benefiting both people and the planet? This year, the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award goes to a leading researcher who builds bridges between molecules and meals.

Date

23 January 2026

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Photo: Frederikke Reese

The Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award 2026 of DKK 5 million is presented to Professor Milena Corredig from Aarhus University. Born in Italy and based in Denmark, Milena Corredig has played a key role in uncovering how the molecular structures in milk, eggs, and other animal-based products can inspire the development of new, green alternatives.

Paths to a green transition

Today, the global food system accounts for roughly one-third of human-made CO₂ emissions. To succeed in the green transition, we need to rethink raw materials and processes. This is where Milena Corredig’s research makes a difference. She develops knowledge that paves the way for plant-based products that not only reduce climate impact but also meet the high standards of taste, texture, and nutrition we expect from animal-based foods.

“Milena Corredig has shown how excellent, fundamental research can be transformed into insights that strengthen food security and contribute to the green transition. She builds bridges between the laboratory and our food, and her results have significant impact on both research and society,” says Lars Bo Nielsen, Executive Director of Villum Foundation.

From molecules to meals

Milena Corredig’s work ranges from detailed analyses of how proteins and fats behave in the cooking process, to developing new methods that make plant-based alternatives suitable for everything from coffee to baked goods. Among other things, she has demonstrated how plant proteins, such as those extracted from peas, can be used instead of milk to create appealing textures like foam in drinks and desserts – a breakthrough that opens new possibilities for both research and industry.

“In these systems, it is not possible to study only molecules in isolation. We need to understand the physical and chemical changes happening at the various stages of the food-making, and how the proteins interact with other components in food to create the right architecture,” says Milena Corredig.

Knowledge that makes a difference

Milena Corredig has a strong international profile and has led major research networks bringing together experts from universities and industry. She has trained more than 100 young researchers who now work in academic and industrial settings worldwide. Her mission: to ensure that new knowledge about food can be put into play for the benefit of climate, health, and food security.

“Milena Corredig’s research could have a tremendous impact on a future where the global population is rising and ten billion people must be fed without worsening the climate crisis or depleting the world’s natural resources. She is a role model for food research and for the scientists around her. It is well deserved that she receives the recognition that comes with being awarded the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award,” says Eskild Holm Nielsen, Dean at Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University.

Recognising excellence in science

The Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award is one of Denmark’s largest research prizes. It recognises an outstanding contribution within technical and natural sciences and comes with a grant of DKK 5 million.

“I am honored to receive this award, which highlights the importance of building bridges between fundamental and applied research, especially in the food sector, where it is crucial that society embraces new knowledge,” says Milena Corredig.