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
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.
Expert on Species Distribution: “The Caterpillar from Hell” Must Be Controlled Through a Collective Effort
The key tools in the fight against the oak processionary moth are effective reporting and swift action. This is the assessment of Professor Sam Cushman at the University of Southern Denmark.
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.
Where were the Dead Sea Scrolls written?
A European research team aims to uncover where the world’s oldest biblical manuscripts were written. The project is financed by the European Research Council and assisted by SDUs Faculty of Science expertise.
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.
SDU researcher awarded major grant to turn metal waste into the raw materials of the future
A major grant from Independent Research Fund Denmark will enable SDU researcher Mohammad Malekan to investigate whether contaminated metal waste from industry can be reused directly in advanced 3D printing. If successful, the project could reduce waste, strengthen Europe’s supply security and make manufacturing more sustainable.
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 centre for giant robots at Lindø set to push the boundaries of industrial production
In June, the Centre for Large Structure Production (LSP) opened under The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at SDU. The construction has been made possible by a donation of 90 million Danish kroner from the A.P. Møller Foundation. At the centre, researchers, students and companies will develop robot technology for the production of very large structures for, for example, ships and wind turbines.
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.
What does loud music do to your hearing?
Festivals, concerts and summer garden parties with portable speakers can be hard on your ears. But when does sound become harmful, how can you tell if your hearing is overloaded, and can earplugs protect your hearing without ruining the music experience? We asked Tobias Neher, Professor of Audiology at the University of Southern Denmark.
Lakes and wetlands may consume more methane than expected
Microorganisms at the bottom of lakes and wetlands may break down more methane than previously recognized. This could have implications for our understanding of natural methane emissions to the atmosphere.
AAU and SDU to strengthen innovation and digital sovereignty with new platform for spinouts and startups
A new joint platform will make it easier to transform research into businesses while strengthening Danish and European innovation and competitiveness through a secure, digitally sovereign solution.
Tracking life on the seabed after the trawl ban
Over the next 12 years, Danish researchers will monitor how marine ecosystems respond to a halt in trawling. The hope is that developments will be as positive as those observed in Sweden.
What happens to your body when you drink alcohol?
For many people, alcohol is part of the festival experience. But what actually happens to your body when you drink for several days in a row, get less sleep and stay active from morning until night? We spoke to Johanne Kragh Hansen from the Centre for Liver Research, who shares five things festivalgoers should know about alcohol and its effects on the body.
World Cups are no longer won by the best 11 players
More matches, a faster pace and more substitutions make fitness and squad depth more important than ever at the World Cup, says Professor Peter Krustrup.
Heat may become the biggest challenge at the World Cup
Long-distance travel, high temperatures and matches at altitude can all affect player performance during a World Cup. Football researcher at the University of Southern Denmark Chris Carling points to heat as the biggest challenge.
Warmer seas are undermining Denmark’s environmental efforts
Forty years ago, Denmark introduced a series of plans designed to restore marine ecosystems. Today, however, the situation is worse than ever. What went wrong? According to new research, rising temperatures may have changed everything.
SDU spinout aims to make solar cells part of architecture
Research from the University of Southern Denmark is now being transformed into a company developing the technology behind organic solar cells. The goal is to make solar cells more attractive to integrate into buildings while strengthening European production of green energy technologies.
Company takes top researcher’s idea one step further: Develops a lotion for cancer patients
The Dutch-Belgian company Galenicap has launched a collaboration with Professor Tore Bjerregaard Stage to develop a lotion that could become a gamechanger for breast cancer patients worldwide.
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.
Winning team selected: New collaboration to shape university and new neighbourhood at Nordkajen
Vejle Municipality and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have named the winning team in a project competition that will set the direction for a new university and the development of Nordkajen.
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.
Claes de Vreese receives the 2025 Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize
Professor Claes de Vreese receives the prize for his extensive and internationally recognised research into the role that artificial intelligence plays in democratic processes.
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 27.07.2024