More basic funding and more innovation

Dear staff

This week has been characterised by change on Funen. New mayors and politicians have taken office, and the voters have sent a clear signal: We want development at a time when change is part of everyday life.

The same goes for universities. For many years, we have wanted a new way of distributing the Research Reserve – and now the change is here. Not only do we get more funding, but the distribution is fixed for the next four years. This gives us a historic opportunity to plan long-term and create a stronger framework for research and development.

For SDU, this means that in 2026 we will receive DKK 137 million, and the amount will increase to DKK 172 million annually for the following three years. Half of this is basic funding to strengthen our operations. The other half is earmarked for innovation – and that's new. It reflects a strong focus on innovation in Denmark and Europe, and we must seize this opportunity.

Traditionally, the natural sciences have not been known as the engine of innovation, but the picture is changing. I see more researchers and students who are passionate about translating knowledge into new products and new solutions, and we need to support this. Innovation will be a cornerstone of our Strategy 2030, and I can already see that there are many perspectives and ideas in play. That is a strength.

At SDU, funds are distributed to all faculties, and we are discussing in the RI Council how SDU can create innovation in a broad perspective. An important question will be how we merit innovation. Innovation takes time and does not always lead to publications in top journals. Therefore, it is crucial that we rethink how we recognise merit. SDU has joined the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), which opens up for a broader assessment of research efforts. It gives us a good starting point.

I hope that everyone with ideas on how NAT can contribute to innovation will get involved in the work on the innovation strategy. We need to find the best ways to utilise the funds from the Research Reserve - and create innovative solutions that make a difference to society.

Marianne Holmer, dean