4,500 visitors at the Festival of Research at SDU in Odense

Festival of Research 2026 brought together around 4,500 visitors at SDU in Odense on Saturday 18 April for a day of research at eye level.

A total of 140 researchers and staff from the Faculty of Health Sciences took part in the various stands and activities, the highest number to date.

The programme featured both familiar activities and new themes, where visitors of all ages could engage with research through dialogue, talks and hands-on experiences.

Women’s health set the agenda

One of the biggest activities this year focused on women’s health. Around 30 researchers from the Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Department of Clinical Research and OUH joined forces to highlight an area that is playing an increasingly prominent role in public debate.

Visitors could, among other things, take part in quizzes, try a pain simulator and share their own experiences and ideas for future research.

The theme highlighted that diseases affecting women have historically been under-researched, and that there is still a need for more knowledge.

Popular favourites with strong support

Several of the well-known activities once again attracted many visitors. These included outreach on ticks, liver research, anatomy and forensic medicine.

Stands on hearing, health and health technology were also very popular. Here, both children and adults could gain concrete insights into how research is translated into knowledge about disease and health in everyday life.

New themes and current issues

This year’s programme also introduced new topics. Visitors could learn more about modern cancer treatment from researchers at the Department of Clinical Research and trauma research at the Department of Psychology.

There was also a focus on current issues such as the use of nicotine products and accidents related to bicycle helmets and cargo bikes.

At forensic medicine, guided tours offered an insight into the work behind the scenes – an activity that attracted many curious visitors.

All activities offered creative and engaging communication of research, much to the delight of visitors of all ages.

Activities for children and communities

For the youngest visitors, there were activities including ball games developed on the basis of a research project from the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics. Here, movement and play were linked to research into children’s wellbeing.

The department also ran a stand on associations and volunteering, focusing on the importance of communities for health.

Debates and talks with well-known names

The programme also featured conversations and talks with both researchers and science communicators. In debates with Clement Kjersgaard, participants included Rund Lindahl Jakobsen from the Department of Public Health and Benjamin Rasmussen from the Department of Clinical Research.

There was also great interest in a sold-out talk with author Gry Jexen. Christina Anna Vinter from the Department of Clinical Research also took part, sharing perspectives on women’s health.

A children’s show featuring Jonas Madsen, known from MGP and Ultra Nyt, brought together many families. Lotus Sofie Bast from the National Institute of Public Health also took part.