Insects inspire groundbreaking robot tech

Swarms of robots will assist farmers and rescue workers

A group of researchers led by an SDU Professor and two private robot companies are behind the HERD project, enabling rescue workers to deploy multiple drones on a mission or farmers to have groups of robots working in the field simultaneously.

SDU’s climate centre is in the pipeline

In 2022, SDU’s climate centre will open under the name of SDU Climate Cluster. Compared to previous announcements, there are a few changes to the structure of the centre, which will function more as an interdisciplinary research cluster.

SDU’s institutional plan has been submitted

SDU has submitted a plan to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science describing how the University intends to comply with the political agreement on more and better educational opportunities throughout Denmark. The content is largely identical to the draft presented to the Board in December. SDU wants to strengthen the University’s regional position, but this should not happen by reducing SDU’s student places in Odense.

Will this new superpower molecule revolutionize science?

In a new study, researchers report the creation of an artificial molecule with superpowers. It has the potential to revolutionize nanotechnology – and it also explains one of Nature’s intriguing enigmas; why do we have a right hand and a left hand?

Microbes produce oxygen in the dark

There would be no oxygen on Earth were it not for sunlight; the key component in photosynthesis. Now researchers have made the surprising discovery that oxygen is also produced without sunlight, possibly deep below the ocean surface.

Carnivores are more prone to cancer

A new study on cancer risk across mammals in zoos shows. Researchers also find that ungulates appear resistant to the disease. Could they hold clues to natural, non-toxic cancer treatments for humans?

SDU remains one of the world’s most sustainable universities

In Green Metrics’ 2021 ranking of the universities’ work with sustainability, SDU ranked 11th out of 954 universities from around the world.

Our urine is full of medicine – soon we will be drinking medicine residues

More and more medicine residues are contaminating our drinking water. Most of these are flushed with the urine down the toilet when we take medication, and this increases the risk of cocktail effects in our water. Therefore, there is a need for new approaches to quality assurance of the consumers’ drinking water, SDU expert emphasises.

SDU and Vejle Municipality in close collaboration on campus

More than 9,000 students are currently studying a degree programme in the Triangle Region. This number is set to increase with SDU and Vejle Municipality’s joint announcement of the establishment of SDU Vejle, a new campus offering IT, health and engineering programmes.

SDU joins the EPICUR alliance

SDU is a new member of the European University Alliance EPICUR. This will generate new collaboration opportunities for the University and its staff, students and researchers.

SDU’s institutional plan has been approved

SDU is now almost ready to submit a plan to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science describing how the University complies with the political agreement on more and better educational opportunities throughout Denmark. While SDU wants to strengthen the University’s regional position, this should not accomplished by reducing the number of student places in Odense.

Drones will check 7000 km of high voltage cables

Drones can get an overview of the supply network and replace time-consuming manual inspection and helicopters, which cost millions in inspections annually, results from the Drones4Energy project at SDU show.

Researchers find inspiration from insects to give robots a better grip

Researchers from universities in five countries are behind insect-inspired robot technology that break with 25-year-old gripping technology - the result is creating international attention.

Do you want to go to a museum on the computer?

More and more cultural institutions are going online, and after the Covid-19 lockdowns, the EU wants to make our common cultural heritage more digitally accessible to the many who cannot visit the sites physically. At SDU computer scientist Stefan Jänicke is finding new digital ways to communicate cultural heritage for example with the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

University of Southern Denmark (SDU) will be switching to a new financial system. How does this affect you as a supplier?

University of Southern Denmark (SDU) will be switching to a new financial system in January 2022. This may affect you as a supplier for SDU.

The welfare state is more of a piggy bank than Robin Hood

Welfare states are often criticized for not being good enough at reducing inequality. But in practice they mainly do something else – namely distributing society’s resources across generations – as opposed to socio-economic status. This is shown by a new analysis of the European welfare states, and SDU Professor Pieter Vanhuysse therefore calls for less criticism of the welfare state.

Comments on the draft of SDU’s institutional plan regarding regionalisation

In the coming days and weeks, SDU will involve several of the University’s bodies in the regionalisation proposal which SDU has been asked to submit to the Ministry of Higher Education and Science at the turn of the year.

Hadal trenches continue to surprise researchers

New study reveals certain bacteria, that are attracted to nitrogen, have relatively easily adapted to the extreme pressure 10 km below sea level.

Article about gorillas and COVID-19 has been withdrawn

Researchers conducting the study on how COVID-19 can affect the population of wild gorillas have chosen to withdraw the scientific publication citing the need to conduct furhter studies. Therefore, Ny Viden has also chosen to withdraw the article about the study as of 12 December 2021.

New EU project: Quicker Diagnosis for Rare Disease Patients

Genetic Newborn Screening and Artificial Intelligence are important tools in new 25 million Euro project. Associate Professor Richard Röttger from SDU is part of the project.

SDU researchers are able to remove pesticides from drinking water

No one wants to drink water containing pesticide or chemical residues. Nevertheless, a record number of Danish groundwater wells now show traces of the unwanted contaminants in the groundwater. SDU researchers have found a scientific solution that can neutralise and remove the toxic residues.

SDU gains a visionary new Rector

Jens Ringsmose, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences at SDU, has been appointed as the new Rector of the University of Southern Denmark from 1 November 2021.

COVID-19 has led to great life expectancy losses

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered life expectancy losses in most of the world - not seen since World War II. Denmark and Norway on the contrary experienced increase in life expectancy during the pandemic.

SDU has no dress code

The management at the University of Southern Denmark is satisfied that SDU Fitness is now changing its dress code.

Now more GMOs are reaching the consumers

More genetically modified foods are on their way to the consumers after the EU granted permission to import GM maize, soya, rape and cotton. But are the genetically modified crops safe? And should we grow them in Denmark?

Breakthrough study establishes a clear connection between traffic noise and dementia

Exposure to traffic noise is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, suggests a study from Denmark published in the BMJ today. The study is the first of its kind in the world.

SDU prepares a new plan for gender equality and inclusion efforts

SDU’s management has approved the quality assurance model for SDU's new Gender Equality Plan. This ensures a clear line with a managerial anchoring for the University’s equality efforts. Over the next few years, the work will be initiated so that it spreads across the entire university.

How do new technologies challenge democracy?

Tech giants have enormous power – not only over public discourse, but also over free research. Recently, researchers from New York University were excluded from Facebook when they were in the process of uncovering ad targeting issues on the platform. Professor Claes de Vreese points out that two sets of clear ground rules are missing.

Sculptures build bridges in divided times

15 life-size sculptures make up the exhibition CONNECTIONS on display at the University of Southern Denmark in the coming year. The exhibition is the result of a unique collaboration between war history researcher James Rogers and the Icelandic sculptor Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir.

Students will go green vertically

Four students from three different engineering programmes at the Faculty of Engineering at SDU will grow green lettuce vertically in the start-up company Hydrovertic. They are among the many students who have received their own company registration number.

SDU puts eyes and ears on the robot

Researchers at SDU have managed to make a mobile robot capable of interacting with people. The technology opens up new opportunities for mobile robots, says Professor Norbert Krüger, who is behind the project

Loss of eelgrass - a severe threat to climate account

Eelgrass is disappearing in many places in the world, and with it disappears nature’s own effective binding of carbon and nitrogen.

Hans Christian Andersen – a part of Disney’s DNA

We all know Disney’s heartbreaking interpretations of The Little Mermaid and the Snow Queen. But the Hans Christian Andersen Centre can now document that Walt Disney’s inspiration from Hans Christian Andersen has been of great importance ever since the film group was founded.

Supercomputer to help researchers develop more sustainable tires

Every year, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of particles are worn off car tires and roads in Europe. A significant portion of this ends up in the environment as microparticle pollution. SDU Researchers and tire manufacturer Continental are now working together to find a solution.

SDU is created by people

The excellent human relations, research and education that make a difference and a unique culture of collaboration are some of the characteristics that make SDU a unique university, says the outgoing Rector.

We cannot cheat ageing and death

Philosophers, artists and scientists - and probably all the rest of us – have long obsessed over the key to human immortality. Now, a new study gives us evidence for our inevitable death.

Doctors and scientists build robots together

A new collaboration between SDU and OUH aim to break down barriers and make it easier for companies to create contact with the research environment and roll out new technology in the hospital corridors. A joint robot center will be unique in Europe because it is the first time such a large university hospital has been affiliated.

Video conferencing: Women do worse than men

Researchers from SDU and the University of Magdeburg have investigated how different voices are perceived via online tools such as Zoom, Skype, or Teams. Not all frequencies are fully transmitted, which affects women, whose voices are perceived as less competent, expressive, and charismatic than men's voices.

Ole Skøtt appointed Acting Rector of the University of Southern Denmark

The Board of SDU has unanimously decided to appoint Ole Skøtt as Rector. SDU will now set out to find its new rector.

Porpoises seem to cooperate in sophisticated group hunting

Drone footage shows that porpoises may be more social and cooperative than previously thought.

Songbirds can control single vocal muscle fibers

Singing is crucial for the recognition, sex life and speciation of songbirds. New research published in Current Biology shows songbirds have extremely high-resolution control over their vocal output and can even control single muscle fibers.

SDU establishes new climate centre

At the end of 2021, the University of Southern Denmark will have a new climate centre seeking to promote pioneering and excellent climate research and education across all faculties to support a climate-conscious and sustainable society.

SDU is already a strong regional university

The government’s proposal for a new education reform contains a regionalisation agenda, which SDU has already been implementing for more than two decades with more than 20% of its BA programme admissions being located outside Odense.

Prominent Rector resigns from the University of Southern Denmark

Having landed a new job, Henrik Dam will be stepping down as Rector of SDU at the end of July.

Fetal exposure to parabens may reduce reproduction

Infants exposed to parabens in utero show signs of reduced reproduction already at 3 months of age.

Corona is making people, especially women, comfort eat more

During the first corona lockdown, a third of us ate more sweet things and rinsed it down with copious amounts of soda and alcohol, according to a study from the University of Southern Denmark. The strange thing is that Italians and Spaniards, who experienced tougher lockdowns, ate healthier.

Mangroves and seagrasses absorb microplastics

Microplastics do not just end up in the open sea – in fact, a lot also end up in the ecosystems of the coastal zones, a new study shows and this may threaten wildlife.

Space may become the new Wild West

No state can lay claim to space. But adventurous billionaires and other private parties dreaming of space are currently challenging the treaties which have, until now, regulated obligations and rights in space. Researcher at SDU is helping to sort out the legal mess in space.

SDU is among the leading sustainable universities

The internationally recognised magazine Times Higher Education ranks SDU 23rd among 1,115 universities from around the world. The ranking is based on the universities’ sustainability activities and efforts.

SDU is among the leading sustainable universities

The internationally recognised magazine Times Higher Education ranks SDU 23rd among 1,115 universities from around the world. The ranking is based on the universities’ sustainability activities and efforts.

A new look at evolution in the oceans

The primeval ocean – or at least parts of it – may have been more reminiscent of the oceans of today than previously thought.

Esteemed mathematician to SDU

American Professor Vivek Shende establishes a research group at the University of Southern Denmark. He is funded by three Danish foundations as part of their efforts to attract international capacities to Denmark. Most recently the Villum Foundation has granted him 25 mil DKK. to research the mysteries of superstrings.

Financial adjustments of almost DKK 50 million at SDU

Two faculties and the Central Administration have implemented financial adjustments in their 2021 budgets. The total staff reduction is expected to be 50 employees.

In five years, algorithms will drive corporate investments

In a few years, algorithms will help determine which products will be developed. Therefore it is extremely important that we discuss the transparency and the basis of decisions of the algorithms, Professor of Innovation Alf Rehn from SDU points out.

Spike in quota 2 applications

SDU is again seeing a rise in the number of quota 2 applicants and applications this year. The positive development can be seen across all five faculties, and now all applicants will have to take an admission test.

Future planes will fly on CO2 and hydrogen

Researchers have received DKK 37 million from the EU to produce sustainable aviation fuels from CO2 and hydrogen. The project is groundbreaking because the aircraft does not need to have new engines in order to fly sustainably.

New drug candidate against COVID-19

There are no drugs that can cure people who are infected. But researchers at SDU have now developed a substance that can form the basis for the development of drugs against COVID-19.

Cli-fi teaches us about the future

Climate literature is becoming one of the most prominent genres of the time. It is highlighted for its contributions to the climate debate, because it makes a future with climate change tangible for us. Students at SDU now have the chance to try out the effects of climate fiction in the competition Write the Future.

Women in research: Eva Arnspang Christensen

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, please meet some of our women researchers from SDU and learn their perspectives on being a woman in research.

Women in research: Mette Søgaard Nielsen

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, please meet some of our women researchers from SDU and learn their perspectives on being a woman in research.

Women in research: Aglae Pizzone

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, please meet some of our women researchers from SDU and learn their perspectives on being a woman in research.

SDU receives positive institutional accreditation

SDU is the first Danish institution to receive a positive accreditation for the second time. This is clear after the Accreditation Council – which was founded to ensure the quality and development of higher education – last week decided on institutional accreditation of the University of Southern Denmark, among others.

Women in research: Carolin Löscher

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, please meet some of our women researchers from SDU and learn their perspectives on being a woman in research.

Face masks are a ticking plastic bomb

Every minute of the day we throw away 3 million face masks. Many end up as potentially toxic micro- and nanoplastic or carriers for other toxicants in the environment, researchers warn.

Women in research: Louise Nyholm Kallestrup

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, please meet some of our women researchers from SDU and learn their perspectives on being a woman in research.

Women in research: Charlotte Skau Pawlowski

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8 March, please meet some of our women researchers from SDU and learn their perspectives on being a woman in research.

‘I always feel listened to’

Marianne Holmer took office as Dean at the Faculty of Science a year ago, and she is the only woman in the university management. She certainly feels different from her male colleagues but believes it’s as much due to her personality as her gender.

Frogs’ lungs help them find a mate

Male frogs call to attract females, but how can females tell that it is a male of the same species calling? Green tree frogs use the same principle as in noise-cancelling headphones – and they are far better at it.

Will this solve the mystery of the expansion of the universe?

Physicists’ new proposal that a new type of extra dark energy is involved is highlighted in scientific journal.

SDU is establishing a Business School

A new Business School at SDU seeks to build a bridge between the university’s business economics programmes and the business community and society in general. The Business School will open its doors in September this year.

The battle for phosphorus is intensifying

Phosphorus is a very simple element that forms the foundation of all life on Earth. However, phosphorus is also a limited resource. Phosphorus is therefore also part of a game of geopolitics between superpowers that is intensifying these days.

Solar cells must be designed to be sustainable

The heavy metal lead and strong polymer are used in solar cells, but green technologies should be designed for recycling, researcher in innovation from the University of Southern Denmark point out. Organic solar cells are a good example of a completely new generation of green technology.

Experts are humans, too: Frederik Waage

In this interview series, we meet four researchers. They are COVID-19 experts and widely used in the media. But they’re perfectly ordinary people, too.

Astronauts and bedridden patients have much in common

A trip to space has about the same effect on the body as a prolonged stay in bed. Muscles, bones and circulation, are weakened. Therefore, Danish Aerospace Company A/S collaborates with robot scientist from the University of Southern Denmark, who develops training equipment for rehabilitation.

Aaaargh, this is driving me nuts!!!

Most digitizations are intended to make everyday life easier for users but can also lead to frustration and powerlessness.

How much CO2 did your grandparents emit?

How much CO2 did a family emit during the black transition of the 1850s? How much does a family emit during the green transition? A new project visualizes CO2 emissions to make us realise how much we really need to change our lives to live up to the UN climate goals.

New weapon against resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed a new antibiotic that can help in the fight against resistant bacteria, and they hope it will reach the patients.

Experts are humans, too: Hans Jørn Kolmos

In this interview series, we get to know four researchers better. They are experts on COVID-19 and diligently used by the media with everything it entails. But they’re perfectly ordinary people, too.

Experts are humans, too: Christine Stabell Benn

In this interview series, we get to know four researchers better. They are experts on COVID-19 and diligently used by the media with everything it entails. But they’re perfectly ordinary people, too.

Scientific investigations of the believed remains of two apostles

A Roman church has since the sixth century AD held relics, believed to be the remains of two apostles. Now, they have undergone scientific analysis, casting light on their age and origin.

New EU project will make your windows generate solar energy

Transparent solar cells can be used in windows. But until now, they have either not been particularly effective or very transparent. A project that also includes a group of Danish researchers from the Mads Clausen Institute at SDU in Sønderborg will change that.

Experts are humans, too: Morten Sodemann

In this interview series, we get to know four researchers better. They are experts on COVID-19 and diligently used by the media with everything it entails. But they’re perfectly ordinary people, too.

New drone from SDU is ready to inspect powerlines

A team of researchers from the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at the University of Southern Denmark has developed an intelligent drone with AI that can inspect high-voltage cables for faults and corrosion.

Why does breast cancer often spread in obese women?

Every year, approx. 5,000 Danish women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Obesity makes the cancer cells more aggressive, so they spread to other parts of the body. This is the focus of Rasmus Siersbæk’s research and he hopes to be able to find better treatment methods for this disease.

Back to where it all began: Digital twins in ship production

Researchers from University of Southern Denmark plan to revolutionize the way ships are designed, planned, and produced. Together with local businesses the university aims to bring experiences from the Danish robot adventure back to the maritime sector, focusing on digital twins and artificial intelligence.

New Danish center for AI and health

Today, Denmark opens its first research center for clinical artificial intelligence. Odense University Hospital and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark are launching CAI-X, where doctors, engineers, and companies will join forces to develop smart AI solutions designed for the healthcare system.

Tomatoes from warm countries are better for the environment

Tomatoes from greenhouses emit about eight times more CO2 than those that grow under the open sky. Scientists have uncovered the world’s most eaten vegetables´ climate footprint, and greenhouses are the big CO2 culprit.

The whole world is looking at the possibility of drug repurposing

The medicine of the future for a wide range of diseases may exist in the drugs that have already been developed. Researchers from SDU, among others, are looking for drugs that may have an effect on completely different diseases than the ones they have been approved for.

Researchers want to map your cells. All 37 trillion of them!

We are gradually learning more about the cells of the human body than any researcher has ever dared to dream of. But what’s the purpose?

A robot assistant for the cafeteria lady

Repeated clearing and wiping of tables cause soreness in the neck and shoulders, but now, a robot helper is on his way to assist the cafeteria staff. The research project Facility Cobot will develop robots with sensor technology and artificial intelligence that can help out the cleaning staff.

The cannabis plant's long road to the medicine cabinet

Billions have been invested, and the first Danish medicinal cannabis product is on the market. In the eye of the storm is researcher Rime Bahij, who dreams of mapping the ingredients of the cannabis plant. She hopes the evaluation of the two-year trial scheme of medicinal cannabis will open up to more research.

Researchers convert CO2 into sustainable fuels

The technology will soon be tested at one of Denmark's largest biogas plants, which looks into a future where biogas is not only created from manure and potato peels, but also CO2.

The Polar Explorer’s Last Hours

Chemical analyzes of a black spot in a diary shed new light on the destiny and tragic death of legendary Inuit polar expedition member Jørgen Brønlund in Northeast Greenland in 1907.

Danish robot researchers win prestigious competition

Researchers from the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at SDU have won first prize in a competition at the international IROS conference. Their solution demonstrates that flexible objects, such as wires, can now be routed and adjusted using robots. This opens for new industry uses for robots.

SDU researchers and Abena join forces to create face masks that neutralise and alert about corona

Nanoscientists from SDU and Abena, a production and trading company, want to create a face mask that not only neutralises the coronavirus but also alerts the user when the face mask comes in contact with the virus.

Ready to explore the hadal zones: Inauguration of basic research centre for deep-sea research

With a budget of DKK 54.6 million from the Danish National Research Foundation, deep-sea researchers are busy preparing expeditions to the deepest places on the planet: the hadal trenches.

In search of the deepest secrets of the sea

The hadal trenches are some of the least explored places on Earth. Most of what’s going on down there remains a mystery, but we’re on the brink of unlocking it, as a series of ambitious expeditions are planned.

Can carrots help combat diabetes?

Researcher Eva Arnspang Christensen has for the first time shown a connection between the substance falcarindiol in carrots and diabetes. Now she is chasing money to test whether carrots can fight diabetes in a clinical trial.

New medicines without animal testing

Researchers want to reduce the use of animal experiments when developing new medicines. Computer simulations are becoming increasingly better at handling the task.

New Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at SDU

By the establishment of Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Engineering is strengthening the research and study programmes in mechanics, mechatronics and electronics.

Artists create economic growth

Every year, big cities like New York and Los Angeles attract thousands of artists who dream of making a name for themselves as musicians, writers or actors. A new research project at SDU shows that the rich cultural life helps to create economic growth in the largest cities in the US.

Researcher uses mini-brains for disease research

Professor Martin Røssel Larsen researches brain diseases. In order to better understand them, he makes mini-brains from stem cells in his laboratory.

The world is full of luminous animals

Deep-sea researchers report that all the animals analysed from their dive have the ability to glow. Luminous organisms are more common than we think – also in Denmark.

Hybrid entrepreneurs stand a lesser chance of success

If you try to start your own business at the same time as applying for a job, you are far less likely to succeed in your business. This is the result of a new study from SDU

Danish King got enshrined in his own clothes – but appeared with his brothers’

Scientific analysis solve puzzle about the age and destiny of precious silk textiles from AD 1100.

Employee-involvement to ensure that fewer employees are worn out

Additional aids are necessary if social and health workers and bricklayers are to withstand working up until the age of 70. Unfortunately, too many aids end up gathering dust.

Concrete absorbs large amounts of CO2

Like trees, concrete buildings absorb CO2. New calculations show that concrete absorbs roughly 30 percent of the amount of CO2 that cement production emits.

They give you funny cat videos online – do they get world domination in return?

Professor of Computer Science Peter Schneider-Kamp is concerned that we are handing over too much power to Big Tech by allowing them to collect information on us.

New milestone for composite production

SDU researchers, alongside companies Terma and Technicon, have developed a complete robot technology system for the manufacturing of composite parts. The suction cup-based system may revolutionize the production of parts for aircraft, cars, and wind turbines.

The Annual University Celebration has been cancelled

SDU has decided to cancel this year’s Annual University Celebration on 30 October 2020.

COVID-19: What impact has social distancing had on infection rates?

Researchers have mined data from Google and Apple, revealing the effects of social distancing in Europe.

From scorpion venom to heart medicine

New study reveals how scorpion venom can lead to the development of medicine for heart attacks.

COVID-19: The next wave is on its way in Europe and it may be similar to the first

Researchers predict that Europe will be hit by a new COVID-19 wave in September, and that it will subside after approx. two weeks.

Welcome to 5,478 new students

Once again, the University of Southern Denmark has seen an excellent acceptance rate, which – despite the COVID-19 crisis – follows the trend from recent years: There is still massive interest in the field of health sciences and in the health sciences education programmes offered by SDU.

New method to reduce emissions of ammonia and methane from manure

A new environmental technology has shown impressive results in lab tests. In the best cases, ammonia emissions from pig manure were reduced by up to 95 % and methane emissions were reduced by as much as 99 %. The researchers behind the technology believe that the technology could revolutionise the efforts of the Danish livestock industry to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Heavy rain after drought may cause fish kills

Due to climate changes, many regions are experiencing increasingly warmer and dryer summers, followed by heavy rain. New study shows this is a fatal combination that can cause massive fish kills in lakes within a few hours.

Thermographic cameras can detect critically ill patients

Two software engineering students from SDU have developed an app that uses thermal imaging to calculate the difference in temperature between a patient’s nose and corner of the eye. A consultant doctor in emergency medicine believes that thermal imaging could be the future when it comes to detecting critically ill patients.

Student helps brain cancer patients with quick new test

An engineering student has developed a test that can ensure faster and better treatment for cancer patients. The biotech company PentaBase calls the discovery groundbreaking.

New type of innovation has emerged during COVID-19

Whisky and gin from Nyborg Distillery becomes hand sanitizer, Grundfos makes 100,000 visors and fibre materials are used for face masks instead of nappies. Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have studied the redirection of resources in Danish companies to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) during the corona crisis, and they have discovered an entirely new type of innovation.

Threats from the micro universe

Researchers today are concerned about possible health threats from the micro and nano universe. The invisible particles are all around us, in the food, in the water, in the air and even inside us, and while some may be harmful, others may be the next great medical revolution.

Internationally renowned climate scientist becomes new pro-rector

Sebastian H. Mernild, Professor of Climate Change and Glaciology and Managing Director of the Nansen Center research institute in Bergen, Norway, has been appointed as the new pro-rector of the University of Southern Denmark from 1 October 2020.

Jellyfish contain no calories, but they still attract predators

New study shows that jellyfish are an important food source for many animals. As jellyfish blooms become more frequent and more massive, this could affect marine ecosystems.

Elephant robot to remind children to clean their hands

Hand sanitizer and soap is important in the fight against Covid-19, but children in schools and kindergartens may not be fond of all that extra hygiene. As a part of a larger project, scientists from SDU are now building a child-friendly robotic interface to motivate kids to clean their hands.

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.

“Drone birds” to inspect bridges and railroads in Europe

A major EU-project led by SDU will develop an automatic drone system to monitor bridges, railroads, and other critical infrastructure over the next three years. The drones will fly in swarms, photograph and analyze the constructions, harvest energy from power cables, and notify if repairs are needed.

Crisps with less salt taste just as good

The pleasure of eating crisps is not diminished by cutting the salt content significantly. Crisps taste just as good when containing 30 percent less salt. Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have come to this surprising conclusion by testing 200 young persons’ taste in crisps.

Robot swabs patients’ throats for Covid-19

Robotics researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have developed the world’s first fully automatic robot capable of carrying out throat swabs for Covid-19, so that healthcare professionals are not exposed to the risk of infection. The prototype has successfully performed throat swabs on several people. The scientists behind are cheering: The technology works!

Researchers want to phase out waiting time for hearing tests

Patients with hearing loss wait for months for a hearing test. This must end. Researchers are developing a new hearing test that will save time for both patients and hospitals.

You cannot avoid microplastics

No human being on this earth comes through life without breathing, drinking water and consuming salt. For the vast majority of us, this also means involuntary ingestion of microplastics.

Cannibalism helps invading invertebrates survive severe conditions

Investing in the future: Researchers show how cannibalism among the invasive comb jelly enables adults to survive severe conditions at the edge of their ecological range with implications for the use and evolutionary origins of cannibalism.

SDU helping to ensure clean drinking water in India

India is thirsty. Almost half the population is at risk of water shortages. The Indian government is therefore rolling out an epic water plan, which researchers in environmental technology are going to help put into practice.

Breakthrough in molecular machines

Molecular machines have the potential to revolutionize the future - if we can find a way to control them. SDU researchers now report that they have found a way to control the small machines so that they move in a certain direction - for example, into the bloodstream.

Sea wrack on the beach: Disgusting or valuable?

Insulation, fertilizer and animal feed: For centuries, humans have been using sea wrack and washed-up eelgrass on the beach in a myriad of ways that also make sense today, scientists say and call for better utilisation.

SDU and Engineers Without Borders provide face masks in Africa

Scientists from the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute and the Department of Clinical Research at SDU have initiated a collaboration with Engineers Without Borders to produce and distribute face masks in Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau. The purpose is to limit contamination of COVID-19 and test the effectiveness of the masks.

New test under development: Can measure if you have coronavirus in less than ten minutes

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and the Danish company Bioporto are collaborating on the development of a test that can quickly identify if a person has been infected with the coronavirus. The test could be critical in relation to preventing infection from person to person.

Surprising hearing talents in cormorants

The great cormorant has more sensitive hearing under water than in air. This new knowledge may help protect vulnerable bird species.

SDU Professor receives much-coveted EU grant

A new research project will shed light on inequalities in lifespans and the consequences that this may have on pension systems. Professor James Vaupel will lead the project, which is supported by the European Research Council (ERC).

Female lifespan is longer in wild mammal animals than in humans

Longer lives are not only for female humans: Mammalian female’s average lifespan is 18.6% longer than that of males. In humans the female advantage is on average 7.8%

New study: Cannabis helps fight resistant bacteria

Bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. By combining antibiotics with the cannabis compound, cannabidiol, researchers have found a way to enhance the antibiotic effect.

Data to ensure corona-distance in supermarkets

Scientists from SDU, together with Vemco Group, are now creating a visual data overview to help customers in Danish supermarkets keep their distance in the queue. The goal is to limit infection with COVID-19

Bone analyzes tell about kitchen utensils in the Middle Ages

Who in the Middle Ages cooked their dinner in copper pots? And where did they do it? Such information can be revealed by chemical analyzes of human bones.

H.O.R.T.U.S. XL absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere

The art installation is the world’s first 3D printed bioreactor. It was created by the CREATE Group from the University of Southern Denmark using a technology that can help solve the major climate challenges.

SDU intensifies its research in artificial skin

Researchers want to develop and 3D print skin for humans. The Novo Nordisk Foundation provides DKK 15 million for a new research project.

95 % of platinum can be recycled with new method

Today, industrial scrap metal is burned in order to recycle the rare and costly metal platinum, but a researcher from SDU has developed a method to recycle over 95 % of platinum.

Coronavirus: SDU encourages staff and students to keep up to date on the official channels of the Danish authorities

The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) is developing rapidly in a number of countries, including Italy.

Coronavirus: SDU follows the health authorities' recommendations

SDU encourages staff and students to keep up to date on the official channels of the Danish authorities.

Students develop sustainable sanitary towels from plants

Three students were tired of not being able to find sustainable sanitary towels. So, they developed one from plant fibres that is just as absorbent as conventional sanitary towels. Now they are looking for patents and investors.

Researchers are calling for better data on inequality

For us to be able to reduce inequality in and between the countries of the world, we need better data on inequality. There is no international system for measuring inequality’, is the message from Professor Paul Sharp and more than 50 other economists.

Drones to make short cut through the Arctic safe

Global warming has opened the Northeast and Northwest Passage and allowed ships to take a shortcut between Europe and Asia. Unfortunately, icebergs are still roaming and pose a danger to the ships. Now, drones are to help make the Passage safe.

New Centre for Industrial Mechanics on its way in Sønderborg

New Director of leading research environment at SDU

Jes Søgaard will take charge of the interdisciplinary research centre CPop, which addresses major societal challenges within demography and ageing.

Will the future’s super batteries be made of seawater?

The race is on to develop even more efficient and rechargable batteries for the future. One promising option is to make batteries based on sodium, which is found in abundance in seawater.

Parrots collaborate with invisible partners

New study shows that peach-fronted conures have a surprisingly advanced talent for collaboration when it comes to finding food. This is important knowledge for biologists working with conservation of wild bird populations.

New spinout: Scanning platform to be used for patients with arthritis

Robot Scientist Thiusius Rajeeth Savarimuthu and Senior Consultant Søren Just have developed a scanning platform that can measure the amount of disease activity in arthritis patients. The invention is now to be developed further in the new company, Ropca Holding Aps.

Can cell phones raise the standard of health in Tanzania?

It is obvious that the cell phone should be incorporated into the health strategy of poor countries. But it requires more knowledge, a researcher points out

New technology to make robots attractive to smaller companies

Many companies avoid the use of robots, because they are simply too difficult to operate. A new research project aims to develop a robot technology tailor-made for small productions, which will be able to handle assembly processes and can easily be adjusted to new tasks.

Can philosophical dialogues counteract eco-anxiety?

Is water or knowledge our most important resource? The major philosophical questions have become a popular extracurricular activity among more than 100 children in Billund Municipality, while philosophers from SDU have held philosophical dialogues on the UN Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with CoC Playful Minds.

Virtual training to overcome anxiety

More and more people are struggling with anxiety, but researchers hope that patients can overcome their anxiety by practicing the anxiety-inducing situations in a safe, virtual space.

Engineers must think circular in product creation

The University of Southern Denmark is going down a completely new path to educate engineers in sustainable thinking. Materials like textiles, plastics and wind turbine blades are to be recycled into new products.

Husband and wife want to fight Chagas disease

Engineer Mads Høi Rasmussen and doctor Signe Høi Rasmussen, are travelling to Bolivia to learn more about the mysterious and deadly Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis.

Microplastic to be mapped in the North Atlantic Ocean

Every day, thousands of tons of microplastic are washed from the EU coastline into the North Atlantic Ocean. Researchers now set out to investigate how harmful this is to the North Atlantic animals and environment.

Expedition sets off to investigate unknown life forms in the Pacific Ocean

Life can flourish under the most extreme conditions. This can be observed in the waters off the pacific island Rapa Nui, where some unusual light-dependent microbes and corals recently have been found at surprisingly great depths.

Cities must prepare for rising sea levels and global warming

SDU is currently building a research group that will focus on how cities can address both causes and effect to climate change, in a wider sustainable development perspective.

This is how scientists plan to produce sustainable aviation fuel

It is only a matter of years before we can produce sustainable aviation fuel in Denmark. That is the conclusion to a new report by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark. The researchers estimate that the production facilities for 100 % green aviation fuel could be ready as early as 2025.

SDU empowering research in quantum mathematics

Professor Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen, who last year received a 10-million-euro grant from the European Research Council, is to head new centre.

Students develop sustainable drone

The drone team SDU Eagles has developed a drone to transport goods that is 30 % more energy efficient. The drone has brought the team to the University Startup World Cup finals.

Camera pill detects far more potential cancer tumors

A camera pill detects 70 % more colon polyps than a colonoscopy. The surprising result means that SDU and Odense University Hospital are now initiating the world’s largest study of 2015 patients who are at risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.

New Center of Excellence: Deep-sea exploration

SDU will be home to a new Center of Excellence with the aim of exploring the deepest parts of the oceans.

Algorithm to help understand wild fishes

Researchers have developed an algorithm to help determine the growth and wellbeing of wild fishes. The algorithm provides biologists with a long-needed tool to very accurately measure the effects of environmental impacts and climate change on the growth of wild fishes.

Discovered: Unknown yellow colors from Antiquity

Antique artefacts have been studied by chemists, revealing a hitherto unknown use of yellow in Ancient Egypt.

Monkeys can also thank their body for vocal development, not only their brain

Development of vocal behavior during maturation is typically attributed to the brain. But the body itself is also capable of guiding this development. New experiments with marmoset monkeys show that we should not ignore the body’s own amazing capabilities.

Inauguration of a beacon for energy-efficient technology

The Centre for Industrial Electronics at SDU in Sønderborg has now been officially inaugurated. It is the home of research, innovation and three new engineering programmes.

Satellites to stop ammonia emissions

Ammonia is a growing environmental problem, but satellites can help the agricultural sector minimize emissions. A PhD student from SDU has been awarded the European Space Agency’s sustainability award for developing a system that uses satellites to measure the evaporation of ammonia from fields.

Students have chosen the University of Southern Denmark as Denmark's best university

Times Higher Education has once again this year compiled an international ranking list with a student-oriented focus to determine the best universities for teaching throughout Europe.

Drones are moving into the battlefield

The use of drones has changed the character of war, where modern warfare has once again become bloodier and more unpredictable.

Researchers from SDU: We are living longer and ageing slower

Humans’ biological age would previously be determined from biomarkers in blood samples and fitness tests, and even photos. New research shows that elderly Danes today look younger at a given age than those of 10 years ago at the same age.

Danish economy boosted by German migrants

Researchers reinterpret Danish economic history, which goes further back than the transformation of Danish agriculture in the 1880s. The conclusion is that German speaking estate owners laid the basis for the cooperative movement in the late 18th century.

What happens to our plastic waste?

Professor Gang Liu has tracked the global trade in plastic after China in 2018 stopped importing plastic. The researcher is in no doubt that some of our collected plastic still ends up in Asia, and no doubt that some of our collected plastic ends as an environmental problem in Asia.

New Dean for the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences

With Jens Ringsmose as new Dean at the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, SDU gets a leader who is passionate about university leadership.

New Dean for the Faculty of Science

Marianne Holmer takes up the post as Dean of the Faculty of Science on 1 May.

GoJelly works on removing microplastic pollution using jellyfish

Jellyfish are found everywhere from the polar regions to tropical waters. GoJelly is an international research project, which will explore jellyfish properties to be used to clean seawater for microplastic and served as feed and food, anti-aging cream or fertilizers.

Coding taught using Lego

The Danish Ministry of Education is introducing the subject Technology Comprehension into selected primary and lower secondary schools so that children become competent in disciplines such as coding, sensors and 3D printing. At the same time, researchers are developing pedagogical tools to help the youngest pupils develop an interest in technology.

DKK 100 million for robotics research at the University of Southern Denmark from the A.P. Møller Foundation

SDU’s successful efforts in robotic systems were further supported by a donation of DKK 100 million, which will be used to construct a new building for students and researchers.

Drones to fly blood samples and doctors between hospitals

For three years, blood samples and medical equipment will be flown with drones between Odense, Svendborg and Ærø. Later, drones will also transport highly specialized healthcare professionals who need to arrive quickly. This will ensure better treatment and save the Danish health care system for almost DKK 200 million a year.

Distinguished award to master of light

Professor Sergey I. Bozhevolnyi is a pioneering figure in the field of nanooptics. The Russian-born Danish top-scientist receives the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award in Science and Technology.

The SDU project is to raise gender equality within European universities.

The University of Southern Denmark's Gender Equality Team has received a grant of DKK 22 million from the EU for a project to implement equality action plans at SDU and eight other European universities over the next four years.

Early animals thrived in only very little oxygen

Fossils from northernmost Greenland reveal that animals thrived in oxygen-poor conditions on Earth 520 million years ago.

Sad music when you are 'killed' increases the pleasure of playing

A game of checkers becomes much more fun when music reflects your next move. Research shows that dynamic music strengthens players' involvement in games, and the computer game industry is starting to realise the value of soundscapes.

Harbour porpoises have a new enemy: They grey seal

Biologists have long suspected this, but now there is DNA evidence: Grey seals hunt, kill and eat harbor porpoises.

Robots take the lead in composite construction

A robot mounted with 80 suction cups is to build aircraft parts at Terma. With a grant from Innovation Fund Denmark, robot researchers at the University of Southern Denmark are well on the way to automating the production of composite parts, thereby securing Danish companies a great competitive advantage.

SDU Wins the Unofficial World Championship in Robotics

Team SDU Robotics from The University of Southern Denmark wins the unofficial championship in industry robots, World Robot Challenge, in Japan.

Nobel laureate talks at SDU

Friday 12 October, you can experience the Finnish economics professor and Nobel Laureate Bengt Robert Holmström at SDU Odense.

From engineering student to DR host

Camilla Adam was studying engineering at the University of Southern Denmark when her teacher posted a position to the study programme's Facebook group. Now, she is a new NØRD host and will help broadcast DR's initiative to the nation: Teach children about coding and technology.

For DKK 150, we can completely avoid fossil fuels

For the same price as a fitness centre subscription, we can completely avoid fossil fuels. The technology is already here, but the green transition needs political action, according to the master's thesis of two newly graduated engineers, and now PhD students at the Faculty of Engineering

Hygge, Hans Christian Andersen and difficult pronunciation

Over recent weeks, 44 exchange students from 17 different countries have been immersing themselves in Danish language and culture at SDU and in Odense.

Nanoparticles in the environment can be more hamful than we think

Researchers warn that a combination of nanoparticles and contaminants may form a cocktail that is harmful to our cells. In their study, 72 pct. of cells died after exposure to a cocktail of nano-silver and cadmium ions.

SDU’s leaders of tomorrow meet Barack Obama

University of Southern Denmark emphasizes its international focus further, when students and other guests meet former President of the United States Barack Obama, who is to visit SDU Kolding on 28 September.

Is fucoidan the new wonder drug?

Researchers have received 17 million DKr to investigate asubstance from brown algae. The researchers will investigate the ability of the drug to strengthen the body and combat aging.

Virtual reality to help combat youth drinking

For many years, young Danes have occupied first place in European alcohol consumption statistics, but now virtual reality will teach young people to say no to alcohol.

Food waste: Which initiatives work?

Efforts work best when multiple actors join forces to reduce food waste, points out SDU researcher Johanna Gollnhofer, who for one week took it upon herself to go dumpster diving.

Robots are to be equipped with artificial animal brain

Robot researchers from SDU are developing a nervous system inspired by animals for robots. The artificial brain will enable robots to go, adapt, and make decisions. The robots will even be able to learn new skills like dogs through reward.

Drones to inspect high-voltage cables

​ Drone researchers at SDU are developing autonomous drones which can inspect overhead power lines. Equipped with camera, sensors and the ability of self-charging, the drones will replace expensive helicopters.

Funen-based robotics company sold for 1.7 billion DKK – sends thanks to SDU

Denmark's fastest growing robotics company, Mobile Industrial Robots, has been sold. The company has been bought by American Teradyne who is paying close to 1.7 billion DKK. Five years ago, SDU RoboLab was the birthplace of the company.

New study: What happens when sea levels rise and coastal land gets flooded?

Don’t just expect a disaster: Coastal land has a strong potential to develop into well-functional marine ecosystems, if it gets flooded with seawater.

We buy and discard more and more electronic devices

E-waste is today the fastest-growing type of waste and poses a global threat to the environment. “We need to get rid of our use–and-throw-away culture and think in terms of circular economics,” says a researcher from the University of Southern Denmark.

Kids do quantum physics

Scientists are leaving port ​to explore the depths of the Atacama Trench in the East Pacific Ocean

The aim of the expedition is to explore life at 8,000 m water depth and to understand the importance of the trench for regional carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Forbes: Engineers from SDU among the greatest young talents in Europe

Forbes Magazine has proclaimed engineers from SDU and founders of Particle3D as being among the most promising talents in Europe. Their company 3D prints bones in a material nearly identical to natural bones.

Researchers test people’s reactions to drones

The altitude of the flight is a deciding factor in whether drones are a disturbance and a cause for concern when they fly over people's houses and gardens.

Novel hypothesis on why animals diversified on Earth

​Can tumors teach us about animal evolution on Earth? Researchers believe so and now present a novel hypothesis of why animal diversity increased dramatically about half a billion years ago. A biological innovation may have been key.

Streptococci: Starve them to death!

Streptococcus is one of the bacteria that takes most lives globally. A new study suggest that the bacterium may be starved to death and thus become harmless.

What does a headless chicken have to do with robots?

The talented researcher has already developed his first robot animal: a robot insect that crawls on pipes and can keep its footing in rough terrain. Now he is underway with his next project - developing a robot brain inspired by animals.

Can Circular Economy save the earth?

The challenge lies in understanding and overcoming all the complex mechanisms in society in order to materialise the necessary changes. At SDU we are working hard towards just that. Take part in our research by sharing your consumer preferences.

Obama visited SDU

As expected, Barack Obama’s visit to the university on the last Friday of September was very well attended.