Research Assistant: Biological Pest Control in AgricultureSemester Course

Research Assistant Biological Pest Control in Agriculture - Copenhagen
Major Discipline(s)
Biology, Environmental Science, Sustainability
Type
Elective Course
Available
Fall/Spring semester
Credit(s)
3

In this project, we use insects and beneficials (Biological Pest Control) to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides in agriculture and horticultural production. The project is anchored in a research collaboration between the Danish company EWH BioProduction in Tappernøje and DTU – The Technical University of Denmark.

In this specific project we undertake a number of pilot tests on-site with growers and research institutions in Poland and analyze the data in Denmark. The pilot tests consist of releasing biological pest agents and then monitoring and gathering data on variables such as plant growth and pest development, as well as exogeneous parameters such as humidity, temperature, etc. Data is gathered by growers on-site and, as part of the project, we will develop technology to transfer and monitor data digitally. The DIS research project is conducted in Denmark using data transferred from growers in Poland.

The primary goal is to measure the effects and optimal use of biological insects. Parallel to this, we will test how technologies such as sensors, digitalization, and drones can be used to effectively monitor pest occurrences and optimize pest control. Based on the data gathered, we will develop calculations on the economic cost/benefit of using Biological Pest Control. Finally, we will assess the sustainability of Biological Pest Control and provide suggestions on an ESG score. As Research Assistant, you will have the opportunity to work with a project that spans fields from biology, engineering, sustainability, economics, and business. You will be working with both businesses, universities, and Polish growers. You will gain a deep insight into how to undertake pilot projects, gather data, learn about biological pest control, sustainability, environmental science, experience the specificities of Polish farming and society, and work closely with university researchers, business, and agriculture.

A short field study to Poland may be included as part of the research.

 

Select Mentor Publications

  • Hedegaard, M. (2022). Fiberby: Bæredygtig Bundlinie og plan for at blive CO2 netural i 2027. DTU EngTech. 
  • Hedegaard, M. (2022). Globalisation and the international economy. Djøf Forlag.  

Related Discipline(s)

This course would also be of interest to the following discipline(s):
Economics, Engineering

Faculty

Michael Hedegaard

DIS Copenhagen Semester Faculty

Michael Hedegaard, M. Sc. (Economics (Cand. Oecon), University of Aarhus, 1993). Studied Economics and French in Denmark & France while training at the European Commission. Worked for Eksport Kredit Fonden “EKF”, Denmark’s Export Credit Agency and also worked for a few international investment fund agencies. Lived in Côte d’Ivoire for two years and founded an international business consulting company and bio-tech company in Kenya. Currently, serves as an external lecturer at Copenhagen Business School and Associate Professor at DTU - Technical University of Denmark - focusing on how to create sustainable business out of technology. Part-time faculty with DIS since 2012.

Tomasz Blaszczyk

DIS Copenhagen Semester Faculty

M.S. (Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Poland, 2006). B.A. in Electrical Engineering, Copenhagen University (Denmark). Researcher at Zealand University of Applied Science working in areas ranging from sustainable food production, agriculture, and bee disease control to the intricate domain of biological pest control. Associate Professor and Researcher at thte Technical University of Denmark, 2009-now. Leading a project in which he conducted research and development of instruments for near-space industry. Inventor of new flow sensor and has strong interest in smart sensor systems, radio communication, embedded applications, intelligent signal processing & control with low power profiles for multidisciplinary approaches. With DIS since 2022.