New LEGO® Chair to Lead Software Technology in Vejle
Professor Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard has been appointed LEGO® Chair at the SDU Centre for Software Technology. With this appointment, the new campus in Vejle gains a prominent profile dedicated to bridging the gap between world-class international research and the local business community in the Triangle Region.
When SDU opens the doors to its new Vejle campus, it does so with a clear ambition to become a powerhouse in IT and digitalisation. The centre is now taking a significant step toward realising that vision with the appointment of Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard as LEGO® Chair.
Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard joins from a professorship at the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, bringing extensive experience in software engineering and data science. For many years, his work has focused on making complex systems—ranging from robotics to logistics solutions—more intelligent, energy-efficient, and user-friendly.
Mikkel's achievements in both research and educational leadership speak for themselves. He possesses a rare combination of technical depth and a strong understanding of how the university can collaborate with the outside world. He is the right person to ensure that our degree programs in Vejle meet industry needs while maintaining a top-tier academic standard, Henrik Bindslev says.
Companies in and around Vejle are developing rapidly. They will be able to create even more jobs if they have better access to well-educated IT engineers and the opportunity to collaborate closely with a local university, explains Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard.
His vision for SDU Vejle is clear: the campus must serve as a base that provides local access to the latest global knowledge and contributes directly to the region's digital transformation.
We must educate talented engineers and researchers who will help develop and enrich the businesses of the future, says the new LEGO® Chair.
The appointment of Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard marks a significant milestone for the SDU Centre for Software Technology. It underscores SDU's dedication to being a driving force for technological innovation throughout Southern Denmark.
Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard joins from a professorship at the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, bringing extensive experience in software engineering and data science. For many years, his work has focused on making complex systems—ranging from robotics to logistics solutions—more intelligent, energy-efficient, and user-friendly.
A strong profile for future engineers
Henrik Bindslev, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, is pleased that Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard will be taking on this role in Vejle:Mikkel's achievements in both research and educational leadership speak for themselves. He possesses a rare combination of technical depth and a strong understanding of how the university can collaborate with the outside world. He is the right person to ensure that our degree programs in Vejle meet industry needs while maintaining a top-tier academic standard, Henrik Bindslev says.
Focus on local growth and global Knowledge
For Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard, the new role is not just about research, but mainly about creating an ecosystem where students, researchers, and companies enrich one another. In his application, he emphasised that the Triangle Region is home to world-leading companies that are in desperate need of qualified IT professionals.Companies in and around Vejle are developing rapidly. They will be able to create even more jobs if they have better access to well-educated IT engineers and the opportunity to collaborate closely with a local university, explains Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard.
His vision for SDU Vejle is clear: the campus must serve as a base that provides local access to the latest global knowledge and contributes directly to the region's digital transformation.
We must educate talented engineers and researchers who will help develop and enrich the businesses of the future, says the new LEGO® Chair.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration
As LEGO® Chair, Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard will work closely with management and the other LEGO® Chairs at SDU to create cohesive educational programs and research environments. The goal is to make collaboration opportunities visible to the business community through industry-oriented laboratories and joint development projects.The appointment of Mikkel Baun Kjærgaard marks a significant milestone for the SDU Centre for Software Technology. It underscores SDU's dedication to being a driving force for technological innovation throughout Southern Denmark.