Mikkel Brabrand to become new Head of the Department of Regional Health Research at SDU

The Department of Regional Health Research (IRS) at the University of Southern Denmark will have a new Head of Department when Professor Mikkel Brabrand takes up the position in autumn 2026.

Mikkel Brabrand brings many years of experience as a clinician, researcher and leader. He is Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at SDU and has been affiliated with the Emergency Department at Odense University Hospital as a consultant since 2014. Throughout his career, he has worked with a clear focus on developing acute patient care and strengthening research into the organisation and quality of the healthcare system.

– Mikkel Brabrand is a tremendous asset as Head of Department for the Department of Regional Health Research. His extensive clinical experience, combined with his impressive research background, a uniquely innovative mindset and solid leadership experience from several hospitals in the Region of Southern Denmark, make him the ideal candidate for Head of the Department of Regional Health Research at SDU, says Dean Jakob Grauslund.

Building on a strong foundation

As the new Head of Department, Mikkel Brabrand wants to further develop a department that is already in a strong position, while ensuring that the research environments across the region have the best possible conditions for development.

– I want to strengthen research, education, innovation and knowledge dissemination in the health sciences. Many hospitals and departments have already established strong research environments, while others are on their way. They need to be lifted, strengthened and supported so they have the best opportunities to develop, says Mikkel Brabrand.

He also points out that the department has developed significantly in recent years.

– The Department of Regional Health Research stands on a strong foundation, but it has also undergone rapid development. Now we need to consolidate our efforts and ensure that everyone becomes part of the continued development, he says.

Focus on the healthcare system of the future

According to Mikkel Brabrand, the Danish healthcare system is facing major changes that place new demands on both research and education.

He therefore wants to strengthen collaboration between the university, hospitals and other stakeholders in the healthcare system, so that research and education contribute to developing a healthcare system equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

Strong research profile

Mikkel Brabrand graduated as a medical doctor from Aarhus University and obtained his PhD from the University of Southern Denmark in 2013. He is a specialist in internal medicine: cardiology and emergency medicine, and was appointed Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at SDU in 2018.

His research focuses particularly on the treatment of critically ill patients in emergency departments, the use of artificial intelligence to predict patient inflow, and the organisation of the emergency care system and the impact of the latest major reforms in the healthcare system.

In addition, he has an extensive national and international research network. Among other roles, he is an adjunct associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and collaborates with researchers from across Denmark and a number of European research environments, primarily within emergency medicine.