Meet your colleague: Malene Grubbe Hildebrandt

Can you explain what your work involves?

Molecular imaging diagnostics. We use radioactive medicines as tracers to identify pathological processes in the body. My research focuses on cancer diagnostics. For example, we use radioactive glucose, which is absorbed by cancer cells, making cancerous changes light up on our scans.

At the Department of Nuclear Medicine, we also research the development of radioactive cancer treatments. On a molecular level, we develop drugs labelled with radioactive substances that are absorbed by cancer cells and subsequently destroy them. In this way, we develop precise and targeted radiotherapy for cancer.

How long have you worked at SDU?

Since 2000, when I first started as a PhD student. Since then, I’ve been a postdoc, clinical associate professor, and most recently clinical professor – which adds up to roughly 26 years.

What’s the very best part of your job?

I enjoy creating solid structures and process-oriented approaches that lead to *9+*clinically relevant projects and results. I value good collaboration, which helps create well-being, motivation and cohesion.

Tell us about a task you’ve completed that you’re especially proud of.

I led the creation of an EU consortium under the Cancer Mission, where we’re working together on diagnostic processes for patients with breast cancer. Within two months, we managed to bring together 13 partners and submit a successful application. As a result, we received DKK 60 million in January 2024, which has allowed us to launch a diagnostic project aimed at prolonging and improving life for people living with chronic breast cancer.

What is your educational background – how did you end up in this job?

I trained as a doctor, graduating in 2004. Before that, I completed a PhD in psychiatry at SDU and obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology from Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

I later chose to specialise in nuclear medicine because I was fascinated by the remarkable possibilities it offers for targeted diagnostics and therapy.

Have you ever considered any other career paths?

Japanese interpreter or biologist in Africa. Both were more dream-like ideas, but I did study Japanese in upper secondary school and went on a study trip to Japan.

I also studied biology at SDU for two years before starting medical school.

What do you do in your spare time?

I spend time with my family. I’m fortunate to still have both my parents, and along with them, my husband, parents-in-law, siblings and all our children, we enjoy many lovely moments together.

Have you seen or experienced something recently that you’d recommend?

I went to Wimbledon in summer 2025 and thoroughly enjoyed some great tennis. We definitely got our money’s worth, starting in The Queue from 5:30 in the morning and spending around eight hours there on two consecutive days. But it paid off – we got to see both Clara Tauson and August Holmgren play.

What’s your favourite getaway?

Definitely Langeland.

We have a summer cottage at the northern tip of Langeland, surrounded by beautiful landscapes of forest, heath and the Great Belt. There’s plenty of light in the summer, and when darkness falls, the starry sky is absolutely stunning. Nature also offers an abundance of berries, which I love to preserve.

Do you have a special talent that others might not know about?

I probably don’t have many natural-born talents, but I do fight for the things I care about. In my spare time, for instance, I’ve climbed Kilimanjaro and completed a half Ironman in Helsingør.

Do you have an unusual or interesting hobby?

I’m a real sourdough geek.

I practise autolysis, stretch-and-fold, coil folds, cold fermentation – I’ve got baking stones and baking steel, flours of all kinds, and I absolutely love watching the dough rise.
If anyone would like a bit of my sourdough starter, they’re more than welcome to get in touch.