From Clinic to Research – and Back Again

Martin Blomberg Jensen is the newest member of the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy’s (DDEA) Board of Directors. Martin Blomberg Jensen is Head of Research at the Department of Endocrinology at Herlev Hospital, and will from 1 May be Professor at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. With a background spanning from basic research to clinical work, he brings a unique understanding of how science can be translated into better treatment options.

A Career Shaped by Curiosity

Martin Blomberg Jensen qualified as a medical doctor in 2006 and began his research career early at the Department of Growth and Reproduction. Here, he worked on basic biological research but always maintained a strong interest in linking laboratory findings to clinical practice.

– I learned a great deal about basic biology and quickly realised that this knowledge is crucial for understanding the diseases we work with in the clinic.

During his PhD/Dmsc studies, he researched proteins related to sperm quality, but it was not until he started working on vitamin D and its role in reproduction that his research truly gained momentum.

– I realised that we knew almost nothing about how vitamin D affects the reproductive organs – and so this became a field I delved deeper into.

This led him to a new and important discovery:

– When we apply vitamin D to testicular tissue in the lab, I discovered something remarkable: We identified signals from a protein that we did not believe existed in the reproductive organs.

The protein is known from individuals suffering from osteoporosis, and Martin Blomberg Jensen knew that it could be manipulated with an existing pharmaceutical agent and thus possibly of immediate clinical relevance.

Since then, his curiosity has led him to numerous important discoveries in laboratories at Rigshospitalet, Harvard University, and Herlev Hospital, where he has been Head of Research in the Department of Endocrinology since 2023. Today, he leads both his own research group and the department’s research initiatives.

As a consultant in endocrinology with a subspecialisation in andrology (male health), Martin Blomberg Jensen works on future treatments for infertile couples. He and his team are among the few worldwide exploring the idea of boosting male sperm production and is also working on ovarian function.

Research Must Make a Difference

From 2012 to 2022, the Danish Diabetes Academy focused on research in diabetes and metabolism. However, when the academy was established in 2023 as the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA), with a broad endocrinological perspective, Martin Blomberg Jensen recognised its potential.

He is particularly impressed by the academy’s networking and educational activities:

– DDEA’s courses and symposia are of an exceptionally high standard – often on par with, or even exceeding, many international conferences. This creates a unique learning environment for early-career researchers.

For Martin Blomberg Jensen, research is not an end in itself – it must lead to real change.

– We do not conduct research just to publish papers. We must carry out research that answers important questions and improves treatments. Even a negative finding is valuable if it shows us what does not work.

This approach drives his engagement in DDEA, where he sees the academy as a key player in developing the next generation of research leaders and ensuring that research talent from Danish research institutions reaches its full potential.

– We have a small research community in Denmark, and we cannot afford to waste talent. We need to be better at identifying and developing the researchers who can truly drive endocrinology forward.

His path to the Board of Directors came through a nomination by the Danish Endocrine Society. With experience in both basic and clinical research, he sees himself as a bridge-builder who can help maintain a strong focus on translational research within the academy.

– I believe I was chosen because I can connect laboratory research with clinical studies. I have experience with both animal models, placebo-controlled trials, and patient studies – and I have the experience to bring findings all the way from the lab to the clinic.

Ambitions for DDEA

As a DDEA Board member, Martin Blomberg Jensen identifies key areas he wishes to focus on:

• Emphasis on Basic Physiology and Molecular Biology

– The greatest scientific breakthroughs occur when we understand the mechanisms behind diseases. Registry studies and large clinical comparisons are important, but they rarely provide the fundamental breakthroughs we need.

• Strengthening Collaboration – Both Nationally and Internationally

– If we want to compete at the highest level, we need stronger research collaborations – both within Denmark and across borders.

Finally, he highlights potential future tasks for DDEA, particularly as the academy’s current grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation expires (2023–2027):

• Better Communication of Evidence-Based Knowledge

– We have a responsibility to communicate evidence-based knowledge in a way that both healthcare professionals and the general public can understand – and to counter misinformation on social media.

• DDEA Nordic and High-Quality Clinical Guidelines

– We should collaborate with the other Nordic countries and ensure that the best experts develop clinical guidelines and recommendations.

With a unique combination of basic research, clinical experience, and a strong focus on talent development, Martin Blomberg Jensen looks forward to contributing to the continued development of DDEA.