The vision of NEUDATA4LIFE is to establish a world leading environment for integrative studies of complex biological systems by harnessing and developing data science and use of neutrons in life science. NEUDATA4LIFE will create an environment that fosters fundamental breakthroughs relevant to concrete problems of importance for Danish research, industry, and societal challenges, with a special focus on the green transition and health.

Danish research and industry are leading in several areas within life science. These include areas of fundamental scientific nature, but also strategic areas such as biotechnology, green transition, and health. A common challenge for many of these areas is the lack of accurate and precise structural information at the required length scale, which can vary from the atomic to the organismal level. Neutrons offer unique possibilities for addressing this challenge. The lighthouse environment will make fundamental advances in life and data science while also maintaining a sharp focus on the possibilities and topics relevant to grand societal challenges. Life science is indeed of the utmost importance for several of the challenges faced by humankind. This includes, in particular, a focus on the green transition and health. In relation to the green transition, there is a significant knowledge gap in understanding plant biology and how, for example, enzymes can be harnessed for the selective breakdown of complex substrates, such as cellulose from waste wood, for reshaping and/or upcycling of biomass. NEUDATA4LIFE will have a special focus on building a bridge across this knowledge gap to facilitate adjoining and/or ensuing strategic initiatives to support the green transition.