Sapere Aude 2026
Meet SDU’s four new Sapere Aude research leaders
Four talented SDU researchers have each been awarded DKK 6 million by the Independent Research Fund Denmark to pursue innovative research on cancer immunotherapy, the recycling of metal waste, the foundations of quantum physics and the mysterious navigation of insects.
This year, four SDU researchers have successfully made it through the highly competitive Sapere Aude selection process and rank among the most promising early-career researchers in Denmark. Today, they have received the prestigious grant from the Independent Research Fund Denmark.
The grant will enable them to pursue their groundbreaking research ideas, establish their own research groups at an internationally competitive level, and lay the foundations of future scientific breakthroughs.
In their projects, the four researchers will explore diverse fields ranging from cancer immunotherapy and the recycling of metal waste to insect navigation and the mathematical foundations of quantum physics.
Learn more about the SDU researchers’ projects
Kristin Gabe, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
How do we make sense of something infinite? This is the question explored in the research project Classification and Dynamics: Beyond the Limit.
Kristin Gabe works in operator algebras – abstract mathematical structures that form part of the mathematical foundations of quantum physics. This is fundamental research of great importance at a time when quantum technologies are expected to have a significant impact across a wide range of fields.
Jingjing Xu, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
The project will help tackle one of nature’s most puzzling phenomena: How tiny nocturnal insects navigate over long distances using the Earth’s magnetic field.
The work may provide new insights into how quantum effects operate in living organisms – something usually associated with physics laboratories rather than biological cells – and may also benefit nature conservation and biodiversity.
Mohammad Malekan, Associate Professor, Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
The project investigates whether contaminated metal waste from the industry can be reused directly in advanced 3D printing. If such materials can be used without first cleaning them with large quantities of chemicals, recycling could become simpler, cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
If the project is successful, it could reduce waste, strengthen Europe’s supply chain security and make manufacturing more sustainable.
Maria Ormhøj, Assistant Professor, Department of Green Technology
Over the past 10 years, a new form of cancer immunotherapy, known as CAR T-cell therapy, has gained ground. The patient’s own immune cells are modified so that the body itself can fight the cancer cells, and the treatment has proved particularly effective against leukaemia, not least in children.
Unfortunately, a number of patients relapse because the cancer cells can become resistant to the modified immune cells over time. This project wants to do something about that.
Sapere Aude grants – in short
All the researchers who have received grants today have been involved in a tough selection process, where in the end only the most talented applicants are awarded a Sapere Aude: DFF research leader grant.
The Independent Research Fund Denmark has awarded grants to 40 new Sapere Aude research leaders.
Learn more about the grants at Independent Research Fund Denmark's website