SUND at Folkemødet 2025
SUND’s participation in Folkemødet 2025
The weather was lovely and the atmosphere lively – but the most important part of SUND’s participation in this year’s Folkemødet was, of course, the content. Several colleagues contributed with presentations and took part in debates, and everyone returned home with fresh inspiration, great experiences and stronger networks. Here, you can read how three of the participants experienced their days on Bornholm.
Networking, dialogue and new energy
Linnea Marie Sjöberg Harboe, project consultant, SDU Citizen Science Knowledge Centre
– Through a panel debate on health inequality, we gained new and important perspectives on our work. It was particularly rewarding to speak with citizens who took part in the survey we carried out ahead of the debate. Together with researcher Dorthe Nielsen, it became clear how relevant the topic is to them – and it gave us renewed energy to work for real impact at the political level.
Folkemødet was also an eye-opener, Linnea says:
– It became clear just how effective face-to-face meetings are. The contacts we usually spend time trying to reach via email were much easier to engage with at Folkemødet. That’s a big advantage for those of us working to connect researchers, citizens and collaborators.
Taking research to new audiences
Amalie Timmermann, environmental epidemiologist and associate professor, National Institute of Public Health
– I strengthened and expanded my professional network and brought my research to new audiences. It was rewarding to present my work on environment and health and to experience the strong interest – both from professionals and from the general public.
Amalie was particularly struck by the openness and accessibility Folkemødet fosters:
– It made a strong impression to see how closely researchers, industry, influencers and politicians engaged – with each other and with the public. It created a space for exchanging views across sectors and perhaps getting a bit closer to turning knowledge into action.
Societal perspectives and personal insights
Lone Ladegaard Laursen, senior consultant, SUND Research Support
– Many debates focused on the major challenges facing the healthcare system – particularly the transitions between sectors, where responsibilities often become unclear. Universities have an important role to play here through research and better user involvement. It can help increase our societal impact.
Lone also highlights several impressions from specific presentations:
– One powerful moment was the voices of young people in the Egmont Foundation’s panel – their courage and honesty made a big impression. At the same time, I was reminded of the importance of brain breaks – and of seeing the person behind the diagnosis.
– All in all, a professionally and personally enriching experience from which I take a great deal.
Young voices and fresh perspectives
Lotus Sofie Bast, senior researcher, National Institute of Public Health.
– It was my first time at Folkemødet – and what a debut. I took part in four very different debates, all rooted in my field: tobacco and nicotine prevention. They offered both professional input and new angles on how we talk about and work with prevention.
Lotus particularly remembers a meeting with a group of folk high school students:
– It was thought-provoking when the young people asked me why they use tobacco – the very question we usually ask them. It reminded me that we probably need to find the answers together. I went home with lots of new ideas – and great contacts who can contribute to my work from fresh perspectives.
And yes – I also had a beer and a good laugh with the Vice-Chancellor. That’s part of the experience too.