17 years as SDU’s dean of health sciences have left a lasting mark: Ole Skøtt turned 70 on 18 July

A clear ambition for Dean Ole Skøtt throughout his time in office has been that everyone should feel empowered to aim high and pursue excellence – ideally through strong collaboration across disciplines and areas of expertise.

– That was my belief when I took on the role as dean in 2008, and it still is today. One of my goals was also to see the completion of the major construction project that brought the Faculty of Health Sciences together with SDU’s existing campus in Odense, creating a connection to the forthcoming New Odense University Hospital. Our building is now finished, and we’ve moved in. It has been a great pleasure, and we’ve achieved a stronger sense of cohesion, says Ole Skøtt.

– With these facilities, and the tremendous knowledge and drive among researchers and students, we’re in a strong position to continue the faculty’s development – growing and consolidating as both a research and educational institution that can compete with the best, says Ole Skøtt.

After 17 years as dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at SDU, the milestone birthday offers a moment to reflect on the journey so far.

The faculty, led by Dean Ole Skøtt, is known for its breadth, offering a wide range of study programmes including medicine, psychology, audiology, public health, clinical biomechanics (chiropractor training), pharmacy, and sports and health sciences.

In addition, the faculty provides several Master’s programmes for professional bachelor’s degree holders from the healthcare sector – including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, midwives and more. In short, the faculty spans an impressive spectrum, addressing all aspects of human health.

This is of course closely linked to the faculty’s research activities, where, for example, psychology, physiology and cohort studies are brought together in strong, interdisciplinary projects that make a real difference for patients.

And it’s precisely this combination – of cross-disciplinary research and swift translation of findings into benefits for citizens and patients – that is closest to Ole Skøtt’s heart. That’s also why collaboration with the region’s hospitals has been a top priority, and why the upcoming physical integration of the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital has been a major milestone in Ole Skøtt’s career.

Another milestone has been the establishment of the medicine programme in Esbjerg, launched eight years ago, with the first graduates finishing in 2025. The idea stemmed from a need to improve medical coverage in Southern Jutland.

The programme became reality thanks to a strong spirit of collaboration at SDU and among local stakeholders in Esbjerg. And its success set a precedent – leading to the establishment of psychology and other programmes in Esbjerg as well.

Free time: Antique weapons, a German shepherd, grandchildren and a celebration for staff

Privately, Ole Skøtt begins each day with a brisk run alongside Tala, his German shepherd, before heading from his home in the Odense suburb of Skt. Klemens to his office at SDU. These days, spending time with his two daughters and three grandchildren takes up much of his limited free time.

But there’s still room for his long-standing interest in antique Eastern European and Near Eastern sabres, swords and daggers – along with Tibetan leather armour, art, and Etruscan ceramics. Since 1992, Ole Skøtt has served as editor of the Danish Arms and Armour Society’s publications.

He celebrated his birthday with family and friends at home, and has also invited staff from the faculty, its departments, and partners to a birthday celebration on Friday 22 August.