Faculty of Health Sciences
Our vision is to help promote health. We focus our efforts on developing healthcare in a broad sense.
Education
We offer a wide range of education programmes within health sciences.
News
Sådan!
23.10.2025
How to expand your academic network with a research stay abroad
How Simone found new academic energy in Sweden: Even short research stays abroad can help grow your academic network and strengthen your research – and they’re possible, even with small children.
Awards
22.10.2025
SDU researcher contributes to award-winning efforts for healthier and greener cities
A global research network in which Professor Jasper Schipperijn from the University of Southern Denmark plays a central role has been honoured with one of the prestigious Sustainability Awards from the Nobel Sustainability Trust.
Names
03.10.2025
Christina Anne Vinter appointed professor of obstetrics at SDU
The professorship will strengthen research on pregnant women with diabetes and obesity and contribute to the development, quality and new knowledge about preventive efforts for mother and child.
Research
18.09.2025
Wegovy and Ozempic may offer health benefits for people with schizophrenia
New research from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital suggests that semaglutide treatment can enhance both physical health and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia.
Research
18.09.2025
Male seafarers more likely to die from heart disease
Men over 45 working at sea have a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than other working Danes, according to a new study.
News about names
12.09.2025
Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff appointed professor of epidemiology and applied statistics at SDU
The professorship aims to strengthen public health research with a focus on using numbers and data – and on incorporating patients’ own experiences.
03.09.2025
SDU and Odense Municipality in new partnership for healthier lives
A strategic collaboration will translate research into preventive health initiatives with a local impact.
Education
01.09.2025
Esbjerg welcomes the psychologists of the future
75 students begin a socially oriented and practice-based psychology degree at SDU
Research
29.08.2025
Sport with care: 19 shared recommendations to support young people's wellbeing
Researchers and practitioners from across Denmark agree – wellbeing in youth sport requires concrete action, both on and off the pitch
The dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences takes stock
21.08.2025
17 years as SDU’s dean of health sciences have left a lasting mark: Ole Skøtt turned 70 on 18 July
There’s plenty of room to grow for both students and staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Both literally in the new buildings at the University of Southern Denmark's campus in Odense, but also in a figurative sense.
Research
20.08.2025
Young adults with psychosis find recovery through everyday communities
A new PhD thesis from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) shows that young adults find more hope and empowerment in friendships and creative environments than in psychiatry.
Education
20.08.2025
New master’s programme to strengthen nurses’ role in community-based healthcare
From September 2025, SDU will launch a new profile of the MSc in Clinical Nursing with a focus on advanced practice nursing (APN). The programme is designed for experienced nurses who will play a key role in ensuring timely care in a healthcare system facing more elderly patients and increasingly complex care pathways. It will be offered both as a full-time programme and as a professional master’s alongside employment.
Grant
20.08.2025
Artificial intelligence to improve radiotherapy for cancer patients
SDU researcher plays key role in international AI project supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Gender Equality Council
19.08.2025
A new path to greater diversity: SIF’s partnership with Væksthuset is delivering results
At the National Institute of Public Health (SIF), the ambition to be a diverse and inclusive workplace isn’t just a nice idea – it’s a concrete effort. As part of the institute’s gender equality plan, SIF is working actively to make room for staff with different educational and life experiences. One important step in this direction is its collaboration with the social enterprise Væksthuset.
Research
01.08.2025
More discontinuity for vulnerable patients in their contact with general practice
A new nationwide study from SDU shows that patients with low socioeconomic status, chronic disease and residence in the Capital Region of Denmark and Region Zealand more frequently change their GP – which can have consequences for treatment, equality in health and national economy.
News about names
02.07.2025
Mette Juel Rothmann appointed professor of diabetes care and user involvement
A professorship with a focus on life with diabetes: Strengthened research into the psychosocial aspects of diabetes aims to pave the way for new patient-centred solutions and improved self-care.
RESEARCH
01.07.2025
New Research: Tailored Exercise Therapy and Self-Management Program Improve Quality of Life for People with Multimorbidity
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark and Næstved, Slagelse, Ringsted Hospitals reveals that a personalized program combining exercise therapy and self-management can enhance the quality of life for adults living with multiple chronic conditions.
Education Strategy 2030
27.06.2025
SUND’s new education strategy sets the direction towards 2030
With Education in Practice – Education Strategy for SUND 2030, the Faculty of Health Sciences is taking the next step in strengthening the quality and relevance of health education programmes. The strategy focuses on close collaboration with practice, digital development, and lifelong learning.
The physician’s oath
25.06.2025
First medical graduates from SDU in Esbjerg have taken the physician’s oath
Historic Day at Esbjerg Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark: First Medical Graduates Have Completed Their Studies
News about names
25.06.2025
Manouchehr Seyedi Vafaee appointed professor at SDU
Manouchehr Seyedi Vafaee has been appointed professor of neuroimaging and neurobiological ageing research. The professorship aims to strengthen our knowledge of how the brain ages and shed light on the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Spin out
13.06.2025
Artificial intelligence is improving medical care at sea for seafarers
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) are using artificial intelligence to raise the standard of medical care at sea. The technology strengthens patient safety, reduces the risk of misunderstandings and ensures clearer, more effective communication.
Grant
12.06.2025
Osteoporosis must be detected earlier
With a DKK 10 million grant from NordForsk, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Odense University Hospital (OUH) will use artificial intelligence to help general practitioners detect osteoporosis at an earlier stage. This could improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the costs associated with bone fractures.
Awards
03.06.2025
SDU professor receives international award for groundbreaking drug research
Tore Bjerregaard Stage from Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine recognised by US society for his work on understanding and preventing side effects of medicines
EDUCATION
03.06.2025
SDU in partnership with Greenland: Master’s degree programme to strengthen nursing care
A new partnership between the Greenlandic Healthcare System, Ilisimatusarfik (the University of Greenland) and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) aims to strengthen Greenland’s healthcare services through a part-time Master’s degree programme in Advanced Clinical Nursing. The first cohort of students will start in September.
RESEARCH
27.05.2025
Digital platform for survivors of sexual assault aims to reduce barriers to support
Research from the University of Southern Denmark has led to a new version of voldtaegt.dk – a user-friendly platform for survivors of sexual assault and support providers
News about names
23.05.2025
Professorship in Cognitive and Clinical Psychology: Vibeke Fuglsang Bliksted
Psychologist, Ph.D. Vibeke Fuglsang Bliksted has been appointed Professor of Cognitive and Clinical Psychology at the Department of Clinical Medicine, SDU, and Psychiatry in the Region of Southern Denmark. Her research focus is the development of new forms of treatment for social-cognitive difficulties, especially in young people with mental disorders.
Research
23.05.2025
New research: Atherosclerosis shows similarities to tumour development
A new study from SDU and OUH shows that cells in atherosclerotic blood vessels grow in a way that resembles tumour development. The discovery provides new biological insights and may pave the way for treatment strategies.
Research
14.05.2025
More people injured on e-bikes
E-bike accidents have risen by 76% over the past five years, according to new data from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital. Wearing a bike helmet is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent particularly serious injuries.
Forskning
14.05.2025
Targeted suicide training empowers nursing assistant students to act
New research from the University of Southern Denmark, the Centre for Suicide Research, and the Centre for Suicide Prevention shows that suicide prevention training for nursing assistant students enhances their ability to support people at risk of suicide. Suicide prevention training is now being tested in residential facilities.
News about names
12.05.2025
Professor of Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease at SDU and OUH
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has appointed MD, PhD, MD. Casper Steenholdt to become clinical professor of medical gastroenterology with a special focus on chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
News about names
07.05.2025
Per Fischer appointed adjunct professor of biomedical innovation at SDU
The Faculty of Health Sciences at SDU has appointed Per Fischer as adjunct professor of innovation at the Department of Molecular Medicine (IMM). With this appointment, the faculty strengthens its strategic focus on translational research and commercialisation of academic discoveries.
Research
05.05.2025
Fractures are more costly in people with type 1 diabetes
New research from the University of Southern Denmark shows that healthcare costs are higher for people with fractures if they have type 1 diabetes. Greater focus on prevention could help bring these costs down.
Forskning
02.05.2025
New blood test to detect hidden liver disease
A new research project supported by DKK 15.6 million from Innovation Fund Denmark aims to develop a blood test capable of predicting severe fatty liver disease. Professor Maja Thiele from SDU is a key contributor.
Forskning
29.04.2025
SDU researchers contribute to ensuring good reporting of research
Good research is not just about what is discovered; it’s equally about how the findings are reached and described. Three researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have assisted in updating the key reporting guidelines in health research.
Research
24.04.2025
New insight: Why only some develop liver disease from the same genetic condition
An international team of researchers, including participants from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), has used advanced technology to uncover why only some patients with a hereditary liver disease go on to develop serious illness. The results have now been published in Nature.
News about names
24.04.2025
The new professor wants to strengthen research in the fight against aggressive brain cancer
Helge Thisgaard will be appointed Professor of Medical Physics at the Research Unit for Nuclear Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, SDU and OUH on 1 May 2025.
Teaching
10.04.2025
Teaching and learning in focus: SUND lecturers gain new inspiration
The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is making a strategic effort to enhance the quality of teaching. The aim is to strengthen students’ academic proficiency and collaboration skills – key competences for the labour market of the future.
10.04.2025
Occupational health and safety at sea in focus as new research unit launches
The Department of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has established the Research Unit for Maritime Health and Technology (MHT) to strengthen interdisciplinary research on maritime working conditions, technology and diversity.
News about names
07.04.2025
New clinical professor of haematology at Odense University Hospital and SDU
As of 1 September 2025, Kim Theilgaard-Mönch, MD, Consultant, has been appointed Clinical Professor of Haematology at Odense University Hospital (OUH) and the Department of Clinical Medicine at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
Research
03.04.2025
Osteoporosis is as costly to society as cancer
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark shows that the disease costs Danish society 15 billion Danish kroner annually. Prevention could significantly reduce the economic burden.
How to!
27.03.2025
How to! Bring your family on a research stay abroad
From dream to reality: How PhD student Frederik Novak Stenstad made it happen – and how you can too
SUND
18.03.2025
More applicants to SUND through quota 2 – a solid foundation, but an early assessment
15th of March marked the deadline for applications through quota 2, and the figures for the Faculty of Health Sciences (SUND) at the University of Southern Denmark paint a positive picture.
Funding
14.03.2025
New artificial intelligence to save lives by detecting hidden cardiovascular disease in time
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital are working on developing an artificial intelligence system capable of detecting severe atherosclerosis before symptoms appear. They have just received DKK 15.2 million from the Innovation Fund to bring the project to life.
News about names
12.03.2025
Thomas Emil Andersen appointed Professor of Medical Microbiology
Thomas Emil Andersen's interdisciplinary research in microbiology will continue in the new position, and his experience from the past 20 years will help lift OUH and SDU's research and innovation strategy.
Dissertation
10.03.2025
Dissertation on neurological diseases and the relation among blood flow, glucose and oxygen metabolism compared to healthy people
Manouchehr Seyedi Vafaee has just defended his doctoral dissertation, "The coupling of flow, metabolism, and function in the brain: A positron emission tomographic perspective" at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at SDU.
SUND
07.03.2025
Jakob Grauslund appointed as the new head of department for IRS at the University of Southern Denmark
As of 1 April, the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark has appointed a new head of department for the Department of Regional Health Research (IRS). Jakob Grauslund has previously served as chief consultant, clinical professor, and research leader at the Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit of Ophthalmology.
Eulogy
06.03.2025
Obituary: Mogens Hørder
It is with great sadness that we at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) received the news of Mogens Hørder’s passing. Mogens Hørder was a visionary leader who played a significant role in the development of the University of Southern Denmark.
RESEARCH
03.03.2025
Tattoos may be linked to an increased risk of cancer
Using data from Danish twin pairs, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found indications that tattoo ink may increase the risk of skin and lymphoma cancers. This is because tattoo ink accumulates in the lymph nodes. The findings raise new questions about the long-term health effects of tattoos.
Research
21.02.2025
Research from SDU paves the way for better mental health in heart patients
Based on research from the Department of Psychology, SDU researchers have founded the company HjertePsykologerne, making psychological treatment more accessible to heart patients.
Research
19.02.2025
New study: Collaboration and knowledge to strengthen efforts against stalking
A study from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and the Danish Stalking Centre reveals that stalking is a challenging crime for both victims and authorities. Researchers are calling for closer collaboration and increased knowledge to enhance efforts.