The cluster programme is developed bottom up where groups of interested DIAS researchers team up in clusters on research topics. Membership of the cluster programme is not mandatory for DIAS researchers. The clusters recruit their members from interested researchers at DIAS, SDU, national and international research partners. 

A cluster is a formalized organization of research activities focused on a defined research topic. Clusters are established for a period of two years with the possibility of prolonging. A cluster should have a minimum of five members. A cluster is headed by a DIAS affiliate and approved by the DIAS director and DIAS management committee.

It is encouraged that activities of the clusters (seminars, workshops, talks) are open for all interested SDU researchers, and that activities for students and public meetings are part of the programme of the clusters.

Interdisciplinary clusters will be prioritized.

SDU has a special tradition of innovation, organizing its initiatives with external funded cross-cutting research centers, international programmes and networks. With the establishment of DIAS the University of Southern Denmark took an important step towards qualifying its interdisciplinary ambitions and results with a new organization and initiatives that have brought world-leading young international researchers to SDU. 

In just a few years, DIAS has become a very vibrant research environment, where there is a constant need for renewal of the organization of research activities to ensure the strongest talent development, the optimal collaboration between DIAS and all research environments at SDU and the most successful use of opportunities for external research funding. 

The vision of the cluster programme is to promote an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration and interaction of sciences as part of collaborations. The vision of the cluster programme is to develop the excellence of DIAS and attract external funding