From Yeast to Universe

From yeast to universe. From Greenland to genes. From runes to ruins. From Sound Tolls to nine Danish Nobel Prizes.



A kaleidoscopic look at Danish research, From Yeast to Universe presents 150 examples of Danish basic research supported by the Carlsberg Foundation over the past century and a half – research that has enhanced our understanding of nature, humanity and society. The book illustrates how free basic research forms the basis of scientific breakthroughs, even when the researchers set out without knowing in advance what they might be looking for. The book tells the story of 150 research cases across the natural sciences, humanities and social sciences. Many of them unfolded on a small scale but went on to change our understanding of not only the world but also ourselves. The presentations are richly illustrated and demonstrate how knowledge emerges, develops and goes on to have an impact that reaches far beyond universities, laboratories, fieldwork and archives.



Historian of science Kristian Hvidtfelt Nielsen is the book’s chief editor, while science journalist Lone Frank interviews leading researchers about the development of research and the sorts of questions facing science today. The publication From Yeast to Universe marks the Carlsberg Foundation’s 150th anniversary.