Dennis Sandris Nielsen

Dennis Sandris Nielsen serves as Professor and Head of Section at the Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. His career spans over two decades with progressive appointments from Research Assistant (2002-03) to current Professor (2024-present), including prior roles as Associate Professor (2010-17) and Assistant Professor (2009-10). He maintains active leadership positions including Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Gut Microbiology (Elsevier) and Board Member of Denmark's National Committee for Research Infrastructure.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Food Science, KVL (2006)
• MSc in Food Science & Technology, KVL (2002)
• BSc in Food Science & Technology, KVL (2000)
• Teaching Certification, Danish University of Education (2008)

Dr. Nielsen's research centers on microbial behavior in complex environments with three interconnected pillars: (1) Gut microbiome interactions with diet/host health in humans and animals, (2) Fermented food systems (cocoa, wine, coffee) for nutritional enhancement, and (3) Targeted microbiome interventions using bacteriophages and pre/probiotics. His methodological expertise spans in vitro gut models, high-throughput sequencing, and multivariate data analysis of microbiome-chemical interactions.

Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals dominant trends in preterm infant microbiome modulation (5 of 8 papers), with significant focus on bacteriophage therapeutics and fermented feed applications. His work consistently bridges fundamental microbiology with translational nutrition science, particularly in vulnerable populations like preterm infants and children.

As an educator, he leads BSc "Basal Cell and Molecular Biology" and co-leads MSc "Gut Microbiome and Nutrition" courses while supervising over 10 PhD students. His academic service includes founding the Copenhagen Gut Microbiome Hub, organizing the Nordic Microbiota Meeting 2024, and serving on Denmark's Independent Research Fund board (2020-present).

Dr. Nielsen directs collaborative research networks including the "Copenhagen Gut Microbiome Hub" and coordinates international consortia through MiFFI conferences. His lab specializes in cocoa fermentation microbiology and gut-phage interactions, with recent projects examining fermented rapeseed/seaweed feeds for parasite control in outdoor pig systems.