Jakob Grauslund is to become the new Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) has appointed Jakob Grauslund as the new Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. He will be joining us from his role as Head of the Department of Regional Health Research at SDU and will take up the post of Dean on 1 June 2026. Jakob Grauslund takes over from Professor Ole Skøtt, who is retiring after 18 years as dean.
The Faculty of Health Sciences is the University of Southern Denmark’s largest faculty and one of Denmark’s leading centres for research, education and innovation in the field of health. The Faculty has around 4,700 students, more than 1,100 staff members and plays a key role in shaping the healthcare system of the future through research, education and close collaboration with the healthcare sector.
A faculty offering high-quality research and teaching
Rector Jens Ringsmose is delighted with the appointment.
‘I am delighted that Jakob Grauslund has agreed to take the helm of the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Faculty hosts several outstanding research environments and high-quality programmes that are already making a significant impact nationally and internationally. With Jakob Grauslund, the Faculty gains a strong academic and strategic leader who can consolidate the Faculty’s position and strengthen the links between research, education and the healthcare sector at a time when the healthcare sector is undergoing rapid development,’ says Jens Ringsmose.
Thanks to a visionary dean
He also takes this opportunity to thank the outgoing dean.
– I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Ole Skøtt for his visionary and dedicated work as dean. Under his leadership, the Faculty of Health Sciences has undergone a significant development and strengthened its position both nationally and internationally. He has made a clear and lasting mark on the Faculty and on the University of Southern Denmark,’ says Jens Ringsmose.
Aims to further develop strong research and educational environments
Jakob Grauslund is looking forward to leading the Faculty at a time when the healthcare sector is facing major changes.
‘The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark is home to strong, internationally recognised research environments and educates the next generation of professionals in fields that are absolutely crucial to the healthcare system of the future. ‘I am very much looking forward to working with staff, students and partners to strengthen research and education of the highest quality and to develop new solutions that can contribute to better health and a more integrated healthcare system,’ says Jakob Grauslund.
Close collaboration between research, education and clinical practice
The Faculty of Health Sciences is located on the University of Southern Denmark’s campus in Odense, in close partnership with the new Odense University Hospital (OUH). The physical proximity between the University and the hospital creates unique opportunities to strengthen the integration of research, education and clinical practice.
About the Faculty of Health Sciences
- 4,700 students
- 1,100 staff
- 8 departments
- 29 programmes in fields such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, Psychology, Sports Science and Clinical Health programmes
- Close collaboration with regions, hospitals, local authorities and international research environments
About Jakob Grauslund
Jakob Grauslund (48) joins us from his position as Head of the Department of Regional Health Research at the University of Southern Denmark, a position he took up on 1 April 2025.
Jakob Grauslund is a senior consultant, clinical professor and head of research at the Department of Clinical Research at the Research Unit of Ophthalmology. He has also been affiliated with the Steno Diabetes Center, Odense. At Odense University Hospital, he has worked closely at the interface between research and clinical practice.
Jakob Grauslund has published 264 research articles in international journals and is also the primary author of the national guidelines for the screening and treatment of diabetic eye conditions.