News from SDU
Follow and stay updated on everything from research results and business collaboration to student life and exciting initiatives at the university.
Latest news
New Biomedical Engineering Centre aims to bring engineers and clinicians closer together
Professor Stephen Mellon moved with his family from Oxford to Odense late last year to help establish the new Biomedical Engineering Centre at the University of Southern Denmark.
SDU joins new national partnership on children and nature
The University of Southern Denmark is joining forces with 15 other organisations, research and educational institutions and foundations in a strengthened Centre for Children and Nature. Among other things, SDU will contribute research and knowledge on active living among children and young people and on learning and teaching in primary and lower secondary school.
New project to restore polluted lakes and recycle phosphorus
With DKK 22.1 million in funding from Innovation Fund Denmark, Kasper Reitzel from the Department of Biology will lead the development of a new restoration technology designed for use in Danish lakes.
Dormouse biologists still need your help
As nut season begins in late summer and autumn, SDU and Naturama are once again calling on the public to help search for signs of the elusive hazel dormouse. Nutshells, nests and owl pellets can all provide valuable clues about where the species is found.
Anton Pottegård wins the Research Communication Award
The annual award, presented to a researcher who has distinguished themselves through outstanding communication within their field of research, goes to SDU – specifically, Professor Anton Pottegård from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
sdu-forskere-hjaelper-hudlaege-med-groennere-hudbiopsi
Dermatologist Kristine Pallesen was puzzled that steel scissors and forceps were discarded after a single skin biopsy. Together with researchers from SDU, she has developed prototypes and analysed the carbon footprint and material choices for this greener skin biopsy, a reusable instrument that combines several functions.
New insights into autism and the brain
By combining three different brain scans, researchers have gained new insight into the biological mechanisms associated with autism. The findings suggest that the dopamine system may play an important role in autism.
AI agents are here: How do we control them, and should we fear them?
Heard the stories about AI agents breaking free, deleting entire databases, or doing other unwanted things they were never prompted to do? What should we make of them? AI agent expert Melih Kandemir shares his perspective.
NERD grant of DKK 16 million to Erik Donovan Hedegård from Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy
With this support, Associate Professor and chemist Erik Donovan Hedegård will develop new quantum chemical models that can reveal how a newly discovered class of copper-containing enzymes works. Understanding these mechanisms could ultimately help pave the way for new antibiotics
New project to develop the next generation of drug-testing models
Professor Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is part of a major new research initiative that has received DKK 75 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation
NERD grant of DKK 13 million to Himanshu Khandelia from Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy
New project aims to investigate one of the least understood transport systems in human cells. The ambition is to support research into several metabolic diseases, neurological disorders and cancer.
New maritime research centre opens at SDU
The University of Southern Denmark conducts extensive research within the maritime field. A new centre, supported by the Danish Maritime Fund, will bring researchers together and strengthen collaboration across the university's faculties.
Do you also have a crush on Denmark's little whale?
The more we know about a species, the better we can protect it. The harbour porpoise is Denmark’s very own small whale, and although it possesses remarkable superpowers, it also needs our protection. In collaboration with whale researcher Magnus Wahlberg, we take a closer look at the fascinating world of harbour porpoises.
The way we talk about physical activity matters in chronic illness
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, the University of Copenhagen and Central and West Zealand Hospital are calling for a more supportive and realistic approach when healthcare professionals talk to patients about physical activity.
4,279 applicants have been offered a student place at SDU
Following a high level of interest in SDU’s bachelor's degree programmes, this year’s figures for student places show that SDU remains a popular choice among applicants. Despite stricter admission requirements, the university is offering almost as many student places as last year.
Mikkel Brabrand to become new Head of the Department of Regional Health Research at SDU
Clinical Professor and Consultant in Emergency Medicine Mikkel Brabrand has been appointed Head of the Department of Regional Health Research at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark. He will work to strengthen research, education and collaboration across the healthcare system.
SDU researchers to lead international expert group on pregnancy in people with chronic immune-mediated diseases
A new international expert group established by the scientific journal The Lancet Rheumatology will bring together the existing evidence and develop recommendations on fertility, family planning and reproductive health for people living with chronic immune-mediated diseases.
SDU’s most-read research news: Health, AI, schools and fertility top the list
From celiac disease, colorectal cancer and the medicine of the future to artificial intelligence, school reform and declining fertility: These are the SDU research stories that attracted the most readers.
Increase in applications for SDU’s degree programmes
Once again this year, there are positive trends in applications for bachelor’s degree programmes at the University of Southern Denmark, with an increase in the number of applications to five out of six faculties. In addition, there is considerable interest in the programmes at SDU Vejle and SDU Business School.
Oak processionary caterpillar: How dangerous is it?
The oak processionary caterpillar – the larval stage of the oak processionary moth – popularly nicknamed the ‘caterpillar from hell’, has spread to several parts of Odense, prompting the municipality to advise people to avoid certain areas. The caterpillar's microscopic irritating hairs can cause skin rashes, intense itching and other health problems. But how dangerous is it really – and what should you do if you come into contact with it?
New University Director at the University of Southern Denmark
Following a recommendation from Rector Jens Ringsmose, the SDU Board of Governors has decided to appoint Simon Krogh as the new University Director. He joins from a position as Group Director at the Employment and Social Services Department of Odense Municipality and will take up the position on 1 September 2026.
SDU researcher develops touch-sensitive robot skin free of electronics
Arman Goshtasbi from SDU Soft Robotics has, in his PhD, developed a tactile robot skin without any electronics on the sensing site, using fluids in silicone channels. The results was recently published in Nature Communications.
AI can make new form of cancer immunotherapy more effective
Maria Ormhøj from SDU Biotechnology will establish a new research team at the University of Southern Denmark to help make cancer immunotherapy even more effective. She is among the recipients of one of the prestigious Sapere Aude grants from the Independent Research Fund Denmark.
SDU continues efforts to inspire children to read through new five-year partnership
A new grant will ensure that the Every Word Matters (Alle Ord Tæller) initiative continues for another five years. At the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), researchers will help turn the knowledge gained during the project's first phase into new activities and resources designed to strengthen children's motivation to read.
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.
University of Southern Denmark part of new EU Horizon project on the role of arts and culture in health and well-being
Arts and culture hold significant potential for promoting mental health, well-being and social connectedness across Europe – yet they are still far from being used systematically. A new European project aims to help change that.
Why does music make us dance?
Festivals, concerts, graduation parties and summer celebrations get many of us up from our seats. But why does music make us dance, and what does dancing actually mean for our health, our sense of community and our experience of music?
SDU launches major strategic initiative: DKK 100 million for cutting-edge research in critical technologies
The University of Southern Denmark is investing DKK 100 million in a new strategic initiative focused on cutting-edge research in quantum technology and autonomous systems. These two research areas have been selected because SDU already has established and excellent research environments in these fields, and because a targeted investment will further strengthen their international impact.
SDU climbs the prestigious QS rankings once again
The University of Southern Denmark has achieved its best-ever position in the QS World University Rankings. This year, SDU climbed 20 places to number 283, thereby strengthening its overall position in an increasingly competitive academic landscape.
New study to investigate whether “TikTok brain” and “brain rot” can be measured in young people
With a grant of DKK 4.3 million from TrygFonden, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital will examine how fast-paced social media videos affect young people’s concentration, memory, stress levels and emotional responses.
Society is our laboratory
Head of department Lars Tønder gives his take on why social science is important for understanding the world around us. His point is simple: knowledge needs to go out and live. This is especially important in a time characterised by war, climate change, technological upheaval and growing uncertainty about the future of democracy.
Danes' support for AI in their interactions with the public sector depends on how often they use AI - and to a lesser extent on their age
A new report from the Digital Democracy Centre takes the temperature of Danes' attitudes towards artificial intelligence in the public sector. The overall result is that Danes' support is highly dependent on the type of case and also the type of AI-based tool in question.
New research centre strengthens the interplay between law, artificial intelligence and robotics
The Department of Law at the University of Southern Denmark is establishing CLAIR – Center for Law, AI and Robotics. The Centre will contribute with new knowledge that can be applied in education, legislation and practice at the intersection of law and technology.
People in prison experience health inequalities
Research from the University of Southern Denmark shows that people in prison face challenges in accessing health care. Both legal frameworks and security considerations can limit equality in practice.
Experience SUND at the Festival of Research 2026
On Saturday 18 April, you can experience the Festival of Research at the University of Southern Denmark in Odense – where researchers from the Faculty of Health Sciences are ready with a programme full of knowledge, debate and activities for both children and adults.
What can we learn from demographic concerns of the past?
The welfare system will come under pressure as the proportion of young people decreases and the proportion of older people increases. Professor Paul Sharp puts today’s challenges into a historical perspective ahead of the SDU event ‘Fewer young people, more older people: On the brink of the abyss?’ on 12 March 2026.
SDU and partners receive millions in grant money to develop new concept of Bildung
With a grant of almost DKK 21 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation to the University of Southern Denmark and a wide range of partners, a major new research project focuses on investigating the understandings of Bildung in Danish, history and social studies in primary and secondary education and developing a new, interdisciplinary concept of Bildung.
New project aims to help digital natives adopt healthier mobile habits
A team of researchers will develop an app that can measure and help prevent mobile addiction among Gen Z. SDU is heading the project, which is supported by TrygFonden.
kunstigt-edderkoppespind-kan-afloese-elastan
Researchers at SDU will soon print a small piece of high-tech, plastic-free future. They are aiming to replace elastane with artificial spider silk. This could mean saying goodbye to microplastics from our sportswear and underwear.
Award-winning Atwood demonstrates the ethical and political potential of literature
Author Margaret Atwood receives the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award for her narratively superior and socially critical writing. We asked Associate Professor of Literature Emily Hogg why Atwood is such a recognised voice in literature.
How do you get more young people to choose vocational education?
Politicians have dreamed of solving this challenge for years, but the proportion of Danish young people in vocational education is decreasing – and is now well below the EU average. In a new research project on 7,500 European young people, SDU researchers and European partners will investigate why the young people choose or refuse vocational education. The project receives DKK 21 million from EU.
Chemical Analyses Find Hidden Elements from Renaissance Astronomer Tycho Brahe’s Alchemy Laboratory
Tycho Brahe was most famous for his contributions to astronomy. However, he also had a well-equipped alchemical laboratory where he produced secret medicines for Europe’s elite.
Ambitious research project addresses significant climate issue within the shipping industry
The formation of ships queuing outside ports is a widespread problem, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and, consequently, CO2 emissions. With a total budget of 7,5 million euros, a new European research project, spearheaded by the University of Southern Denmark, is set to find a solution.
From Denmark to Ghana: Mathias creates sustainable water supply
Mathias Thuborg Madsen works at the Danish Embassy in Ghana, where he is leading a Danish-Ghanaian collaboration to improve the country’s water sector. He studied Market and Management Anthropology at SDU and has always been curious about people and the world.
ocean alkalinity enhancement
The CO2 levels in the atmosphere continue to rise as we strive to reduce our emissions. Now, an international team of researchers proposes a radical solution: pour crushed stone into the sea and it will empower the water to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.
Grants of DKK 43 million to make the Danish/German border region more climate resilient
The EU's Interreg program has granted support for two projects led by SDU Climate Cluster, aiming to strengthen collaborative climate efforts in the region.
How to keep your New Year’s resolutions
Goals and motivation are among the most important factors for achieving what you set out to do.
New life emerges as the ice melts in the Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth and is headed towards being ice free in the summer. However, this provides opportunities for new ecosystems to develop, biologist Karl Attard argues.
Less mold, more food
Foods like fruit, vegetables and dairy products often get attacked by mold or fungus and therefore must be discarded. If we can extend the shelf life just a few days, we can save a lot of food from being thrown out. SDU researchers are trying to contribute to that.
Floors in Greek luxury villa were laid with recycled glass
Several decorative mosaic floors have been excavated in a luxury villa located in present-day Turkey, once overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. New chemical analyzes reveal that recycled glass was used in laying the mosaic floors.
Bacteria to wear protection
Bacteria can contribute to a more sustainable production of chemicals, so providing a good working environment for them is a good investment. Now SDU- researchers present a nano protection suit, developed for bacteria, in Nature Communications.
Sebastian H. Mernild set to head SDU’s climate efforts
The internationally renowned Professor of Climate Change is set to head SDU’s largest-ever strategic initiative in climate change, sustainability and green transition.
Finally, the eelgrass is coming back
Scientists’ effort to bring the eelgrass back to Danish waters has proven very successful: After 2 years, there are now 70 times more eelgrass shoots in Horsens Fjord in Denmark.
Can theatre help climate change?
Students have been involved in improvised theatre to become aware of how to live more sustainably. Behind the project are researchers from SDU and they are impressed with the young people's dedication.
Can theatre help climate change?
Students have been involved in improvised theatre to become aware of how to live more sustainably. Behind the project are researchers from SDU and they are impressed with the young people's dedication.
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Last Updated 10.08.2026