Watch Dek introduce the work we do here in the Woolfson group at Bristol on understanding the protein folding problem and de novo protein design

This dual base will allow us to build a strong bridge between the two institutions, facilitating the exchange of ideas, people, and expertise in protein design. We look forward to deepening our links with Copenhagen and to contributing to the CPD’s exciting mission!.

What do you want to know?.

As part of this new chapter, our research group will expand its activities to Copenhagen, forming a joint presence across both sites. We will continue to operate in Bristol, while establishing new lines of research and collaborations within the CPD.

As part of this, Dek will share his time between Bristol and Copenhagen, remaining a Professor at the University of Bristol, helping maintain and grow these links.

To support international exchange and mobility, the CPD will establish a network of Research Spokes, with the first based at the University of Bristol. This will strengthen and expand ongoing collaborations, serve as a platform for joint research, and shared training initiatives.

Dek has driven partnerships across chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, materials science, and computational design. This collaborative ethos will be at the heart of the CPD, fostering strong ties across faculties, departments, and institutions.

A key strength of the CPD will be its deep commitment to interdisciplinary and collaborative research, both within Denmark and internationally. Dek brings a wealth of experience in building and leading such efforts, notably through BrisSynBio and the Bristol BioDesign Institute.

The CPD will span the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at UCPH, with core activities in the Department of Biology and the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, and additional contributions from Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science.

It will be a world-leading hub for de novo protein design, advancing fundamental understanding of protein structure and function while developing novel proteins to address challenges in healthcare, biotechnology, and sustainability.

The Centre is supported by a 700 million DKK (≈£80 million) grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, awarded for an initial period of seven years. The CPD will officially launch in August 2025.

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Dek Woolfson has been appointed Director of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Protein Design (CPD) at the University of Copenhagen.

🚛🧬 New paper on rXiv! We reveal how cargo binding activates kinesin-1 by dislocating the TPR shoulder — a key structural switch that unlocks motor movement. Happy reading!.🔗

This work was highlighted on APS:

Read more here:

Another publication in collaboration with Tom Oliver's group in @BristolChem We harness de novo α-helical barrels as "molecular flasks" to bind and orient small molecules in aqueous solution. Using FRET and photodimerization, we showcase the potential for templating new chemistry.

Read more here:

🔬 New paper from our lab! We explored peptide exchange dynamics in de novo coiled-coil assemblies, from dimers to heptamers, revealing both faithful and promiscuous behaviours. Using a new fluorescence-based assay, we uncovered design strategies to enhance orthogonality.

RT @jessica_a_cross: Looking for PhD students to join the new Cross lab, using protein engineering and design to manipulate intracellular t….

RT @EngBioIRC: Now at #SBUK24 we're straight onto Protein and Genome Design session with the first keynote from @WoolfsonLab exploring rati….

Exciting opportunity to join the University of Bristol as a BBSRC-funded Research Associate (4 years) working between us and @MarkDodding's lab. The post is on designing de novo peptides and proteins using both rational design and computational design and protein biochemistry.

RT @BCS_CDT: Great to see members of our Bristol-Syngenta award committee @Zhihang04505562 @apphillips98 and @SeraphimLeng sharing their ex….