SDU and Odense Municipality in new partnership for healthier lives
A strategic collaboration will translate research into preventive health initiatives with a local impact.
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Odense Municipality have entered into a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening preventive health efforts across the city. The goal is clear: to ensure more healthy years of life for Odense residents – built on evidence that works.
The partnership involves the Faculty of Health Sciences at SDU and focuses on bringing the latest research-based knowledge directly into the municipality’s health work. This could include areas such as improving functional ability in older adults, addressing young people’s drinking culture, or using digital tools in preventive home visits.
– It’s an important role for the university to help solve the major challenges we face in the health sector. Together with Odense Municipality, we now have the opportunity to turn the latest knowledge into improved practice. This will benefit all residents in their daily lives, says Ole Skøtt, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Partnerships that make a difference
Odense Municipality’s new strategic partnerships consist of two strands: one with SDU and one with UCL University College. Together, they aim to strengthen both the knowledge base and the competences of staff working in municipal practice.
– The new partnerships with UCL and SDU allow us to build bridges between research, education and everyday practice in the municipality. This means we can develop initiatives that are both innovative and closely connected to citizens’ needs. And that’s essential if we want to make a real difference to public health in Odense, says Helene Bækmark, Director of the Department of Health in Odense Municipality.
The municipality as an active research partner
The partnership also responds directly to the recommendations made earlier this year by the Expert Council for Research in Prevention and Health Promotion. The council stressed that municipalities should play an active role in generating new knowledge – not just be recipients of research.
– Prevention is the best investment we can make in our citizens’ health. With the latest knowledge and research, combined with the municipality’s own experience, we can create even better solutions. This will help promote health equity and free up resources for better welfare. The new partnerships are an important step towards ensuring more healthy years of life for the people of Odense, says Tommy Hummelmose, Councillor for Health in Odense Municipality.