Campus News

9 SDU researchers among the top cited in 2022

The journal ‘DM Akademikerbladet’, in collaboration with Infomedia, has calculated experts’ appearances in the press last year. On 2022's top 50 list, we find nine researchers from SDU.

Radioactive drugs to track down cancer cells in the brain

There is no effective treatment for the aggressive brain cancer, glioblastoma, but researchers from SDU and OUH will now try to develop one. The idea is to load radioactive cancer-killing isotopes of certain metallic elements into specifically designed molecules that target cancer cells. This idea is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation with DKK 15 million.

SDU enters new collaboration on defence technology development

The Danish universities, together with five approved technological service institutes (GTS institutes), have formed the National Defence Technology Centre (NFC). The aim is to strengthen defence technology development through a closer, cross-sectoral collaboration.

Rocks and oceans lead him back to ancient times

Donald Canfield uses chemistry and biology to study the Earth's past. His work often causes the rewriting of textbooks on the history of the oceans - and thus also the history of life. He is the 2023 recipient of the Villum Kann Rasmussen Annual Award in Science and Technology.

Søren Vilby is the new Chair of the Board at SDU

The 57-year-old businessman Søren Vilby is to become the new Chair of the Board at the University of Southern Denmark and will lead the University’s strategic work for the next four years.

New digital edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s complete fairy tales and stories available to readers worldwide

The Hans Christian Andersen Centre at SDU is now publishing a new, complete digital edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s complete fairy tales and stories in English. Translated by award-winning translator John Irons, the edition will be freely available to everyone.

SDU-drones to secure property rights in Sierra Leone

Using drones, researchers from SDU will measure land registers in Sierra Leone, where the World Bank has donated USD 41 million to the work. The goal in the pilot project with Engineers Without Borders is to secure the property rights of the local population in one of the world's poorest countries.

Ultrasound robot ready for arthritis patients, thanks to Danish researchers

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Odense University Hospital (OUH) have jointly developed the world's first fully automated arthritis scanning robot. The robot has just been CE certified and is thus ready to be sold and put into use in hospitals throughout Europe. It is a breakthrough in rapid testing for rheumatoid arthritis, which will lead to shorter wait times and greater flexibility for patients.

Top researcher joins SDU

Gregory Clark, a world-leading economic historian, will be moving to SDU from the University of California, Davis next year, thanks to a grant of DKK 10 million from the Danish National Research Foundation.

Peter Møllgaard continues to chair the Climate Council

SDU’s Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Peter Møllgaard, has been reappointed for a four-year term as chairman of the Climate Council, which advises the government on climate issues.

SDU expert briefs the UN Security Council

The use of military drone technologies by terrorist groups is a threat to the world community. That was the main message in the speech that Associate Professor James Rogers has just given to the UN Security Council, where he was invited to share his knowledge about the terrorist use of drones.

New Nordic humanist centre to create new understandings of the world’s societal challenges

Thanks to a donation from The A.P. Moller Relief Foundation, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Southern Denmark will establish a new research centre: the Nordic Humanities Centre for Challenge-Based Inquiry. Based on humanistic disciplines, the Centre will contribute nuances, perspectives, new understandings and opportunities for action in relation to the major societal challenges such as the climate crisis and pandemics.

Strong recognition of SDU in international rankings

SDU has moved up into the top 300 universities in the world, according to the Academic World Ranking Universities (ARWU) ranking list from Shanghai, which has published this year’s ratings of international universities.

Sønderborg hosts international climate conference with big names

The international 100% Climate Neutrality Conference will be held on 26 and 27 September at Alsion in Sønderborg. Here you will have the opportunity to meet Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and vice-chancellor, Robert Habeck, world-leading climate researcher and prorector at SDU, Sebastian Mernild and former Chairman of Danfoss, Jørgen Mads Clausen.

European millions in grant money from the EU ensures continued development of EPICUR

The EPICUR university alliance, which SDU joined in 2021, has been granted €14.4 million from the EU’s ERASMUS+ programme, which ensures the further development of the European university over the next four years. For SDU, this means closer cooperation and will, among other things, allow students to take additional and more flexible courses abroad.

Welcome to 4,348 new SDU students

The University of Southern Denmark has offered student places to 4,348 new students.

Read SDU's sustainability report

The University of Southern Denmark's sustainability report for 2021 has landed. The report maps SDU's work with sustainability last year and highlights a number of concrete results and examples.

5152 has applied for an SDU education as first priority

The number of people who have given the highest priority to one of SDU's higher education is 5152 this year, which corresponds to a decline of 12%. The entire university sector is experiencing a decline in applications.

Large donation from the A.P. Moller Foundation for large robots at Lindø

A world-leading centre for the development of automation and robots to build large structures such as wind turbines, ships and construction works will now become a reality after A.P. Moller Foundation donates DKK 90 million to new Center for Large Structure Production at Lindø. The new centre will be established under the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute at SDU.

SDU is looking for a new Chair of the Board

SDU has begun the process of finding a new Chair of the Board as of 1 January 2023 to replace Niels Thorborg, who will resign at the end of the year.

A new video marks the opening of the SDU Climate Cluster

The SDU Climate Cluster is now officially open. We mark this occasion by the release of a video, where you can learn more about SDU’s large strategic focus on the climate.

SDU involved in plans for new media city in Odense

SDU and the other parties involved in Media City Odense (MCO) have signed a statement of intent with DSB Property Development to create a mediatech city at Jarlsberggade in Odense. The first phase of the new media city is to set new standards for innovation and collaboration across the education, research and media sectors.

SDU has found its new pro-rector

From 1 August, Helle Waagepetersen will be the Pro-Rector for Education at the University of Southern Denmark. The 50-year-old professor comes from a position as Head of Department at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen, and she is very much looking forward to starting at SDU.

New statement about freedom of research, teaching and speech

SDU’s board has approved a statement that defines a framework for how the University relates to matters of freedom of research, freedom of teaching and freedom of speech and debate. The statement has been prepared by an employee-based working group which believes that an official document will benefit both employees and students at SDU.

60 million for a new Center of Excellence at SDU

Denmark will soon have 11 new basic research centres. One of them will be placed at Mads Clausen Institute at SDU's Faculty of Engineering. Supported by DKK 60 million, the center will research quantum technology, which may impact future communication and information processing.

Danish health drones are taking off: Towards faster and better treatment

On 30 May, Danish health drones will fly for the first time from Odense University Hospital (OUH) in Svendborg to the island of Ærø. The drones can carry blood and medicine, and the transport time of 40 minutes is much faster than by car and ferry. It ensures proper treatment for the patients faster.

SDU still ranks among the leading sustainable universities

The internationally recognised magazine Times Higher Education ranks SDU 93rd among 1,400 universities from around the world. Based on the universities’ work with sustainability, SDU is pleased with the ranking, even though the university was ranked 23rd last year.

Law degree programme to be created at SDU in Esbjerg

From the autumn of 2023, SDU will offer a law degree programme in Esbjerg. This is clear after RUVU (the advisory committee for the evaluation of the offering of higher education programmes) has approved SDU’s application for the education. This was announced by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during a visit to SDU in Esbjerg on Thursday morning.

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.

Obituary for Professor James W. Vaupel

On Sunday 27 March 2022, Jim Vaupel died following an unexpected and brief illness. Thus, our university and Denmark, indeed the whole world, lost a leading demographer and researcher on ageing.

Simon Møberg Torp continues as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities

In the coming years, Simon Møberg Torp will serve as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities. Having been chosen from a pool of strong contenders for the job, he will continue his term as Dean, which has lasted since 2013. Both the University and Simon Torp himself are delighted with his appointment.

Political agreement on regionalisation

On Tuesday 22 March, a political conciliation group reached an agreement based on the political initiative ‘More and better educational opportunities throughout Denmark’ of 25 June 2021.

DKK 30 million awarded to excellent researchers at SDU

Today, two researchers at SDU each have been awarded a prestigious ERC Grant from the European Research Council for projects that will make us smarter on fertility and the methane cycle.

Drop in quota 2 applications

At SDU, the number of quota 2 applicants has dropped by 10% compared to last year. The decrease is seen across multiple programmes and campuses, and the university sector as a whole has seen a fall in quota 2 applicants by 12%. Now the test-based admission process awaits all of the 8,193 applicants who have accepted to sit for the test.

New Dean at the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences

With Peter Møllgaard’s appointment as the new Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, SDU has gained an experienced strategic leader with international experience.

SDU expresses support for Ukraine

All of Denmark’s universities have announced in a joint statement that they are suspending all cooperation with Russia and Belarus on research, education and innovation.

Danish Universities suspend cooperation with Russia and Belarus

The Danish universities condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is an unprovoked attack on a western democracy and thus also an attack on the values at the core of modern European states.

Longing is exhibited at SDU

A nationwide art exhibition puts the spotlight on longing and the existential issues with which we have all become acquainted during the corona pandemic. At the University of Southern Denmark, artist Lise Harlev will be exhibiting her work series called "Du tænker hele tiden" (You Are Thinking All the Time).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

SDU has no dress code

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Annual University Celebration has been cancelled

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kids do quantum physics

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.

Astrophysics: Is it time to replace the old model?

Physicists' best model of how the universe works is more than 100 years old and it needs an update because it can no longer explain all our astrophysical observations. Astrophysicist Sofie Marie Koksbang has received DKK 6 million DKK from the Villum Foundation to contribute to working out what that update should be.

Obama visited SDU

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