Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS) is an elite research centre and a nucleus for exceptional minds from across disciplines. We bring outstanding researchers together at the University of Southern Denmark to inspire pathbreaking ideas and set the framework for interdisciplinary research.
We encourage and support curiosity-driven research and foster the meeting of minds across disciplines. Researchers, management, and staff at DIAS cultivate an ambitious and playful environment that nurtures both academic growth and a strong sense of community. We value an open-minded and friendly atmosphere where Fellows and Chairs collaborate and engage.
DIAS operates autonomously from the conventional faculty structure at the University of Southern Denmark and boasts a cohort of Fellows and Chairs from both SDU and universities across the world. We facilitate multiple modes of inclusion and collaboration for researchers at SDU and host weekly events that are open to everyone.
DIAS' vision
The Danish Institute for Advanced Study strives to be an ambitious and independent intellectual landscape that fosters unparalleled research excellence.
- We aim to enrich SDU with a vibrant, open environment that assembles and empowers creative thinkers, unlocks groundbreaking ideas, and facilitates multiple channels of inclusion for researchers and students at the university.
- We aim to attract young , international researchers with extraordinary talent and potential and give them the optimum conditions to excel.
- We aim to bring the DIAS community’s unique expertise to bear in SDU's local area, in research environments worldwide, and in societal debates on the significance and conditions of basic research.
Activities and research at DIAS are based on three pillars.
Society of Fellows
The Society of Fellows, an initiative by and for DIAS Fellows, fosters collaboration, community, and career development in our young researchers.
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Wicked Problems Hub
In our hub for Wicked Problems, some of DIAS' most creative thinkers gather to explore complex societal challenges from a multidisciplinary lens.
Blue Sky Academy
Blue Sky Academy is our talent development programme. Here, distinguished DIAS Chairs provide elite level mentorship for SDU’s greatest research talents.
Milestones in DIAS' history
DIAS was established more than a decade ago, and since 2020, our house at Fioniavej has been home for a creative and curiosity-driven community that continues to flourish.
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2024
The DIAS Society of Fellows launches to strengthen community and collaboration.
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2023
Sten Rynning, Professor of War Studies, is appointed as Director of DIAS.
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2020
The new DIAS building is finished and opens the doors to all affiliates.
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2019
Marianne Holmer, Dean of the Faculty of Science, is appointed as Director of DIAS.
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2016
DIAS officially opens with Francesco Sannino and Thorbjørn Knudsen as Co-Directors and establishes its current structure with Chairs from all SDU faculties. The first DIAS Fellow also begins their fellowship.
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2009
Professors Francesco Sannino and Thorbjørn Knudsen break ground for a Danish IAS based at SDU. Both founders are currently affiliated with DIAS as Chairs.