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News
for employees at the Department of Biology
News from the department
Population Biology
21.05.2026
Social mammals live longer – but there is a price
Living together may be key to a longer life. A new study, based on the largest dataset of its kind, shows that mammals, from sheep to humans, living in pairs or groups tend to live longer than solitary mammal species.
Invasive species
20.05.2026
Freshwater jellyfish could threaten Danish lakes
Most jellyfish live in saltwater—but a tiny, almost invisible species inhabits freshwater. It has now spread to six continents and has also reached Denmark. The concern is that this invasive species may threaten life in our lakes.
Grant
16.04.2026
Turning Waste into Green Energy: DKK 50 Million for Microbe Research
How can we generate more green energy from our organic waste? With almost DKK 50 million in funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, a new research project will search for microbiological solutions.
Marine Biology
09.04.2026
Unexpected Predator: Jellyfish Shown to Hunt Polychaete worms
During warm summer nights when the full moon rises, some species of polychaetes swim up from the seafloor to spawn. It’s a perilous journey, because hungry jellyfish are waiting in the water column. This has now been documented for the first time.
Microbiology
24.03.2026
Hidden microbial network could drive methane production in the seafloor
New discovery: Previously unknown microorganisms use naturally occurring conductive particles to produce methane in coastal sediments. This overlooked mechanism may help explain new ways how greenhouse gases form beneath the seafloor.
Cannibalism
02.03.2026
Are These Killer Whales Cannibals? They Probably Don’t Think so Themselves
Two discoveries of torn-off killer whale fins bearing clear tooth marks from conspecifics point toward cannibalism – but according to SDU’s whale researcher, the explanation isn’t quite that simple.
Carbon Cycle
09.02.2026
Deep-sea Microbes Get Unexpected Energy Boost
New discovery overturns long held assumptions that the deep ocean is a “nutrient desert”, reshapes our understanding of the ocean’s carbon cycle
Evolution
22.01.2026
Bird retinas work without oxygen – solving an old biological puzzle
Neural tissue normally dies quickly without oxygen. Yet bird retinas − among the most energy-demanding tissues in the animal kingdom – function permanently without it. This allowed birds their razor sharp vision and ability to migrate at high altitudes.
Deep Sea Research
16.12.2025
Identical micro-animals live in two isolated deep-sea environments. How is that possible?
It sounds almost impossible. And yet, the same nematodes live in two extremely isolated deep-sea trenches located 17,000 km apart.
Press release
16.12.2025
How can the environmental health of the Baltic Sea be improved?
Interreg project RECOVER develops a digital management system for the Baltic Sea
News from the faculty
A word from the dean
21.05.2026
New inclusion survey to strengthen the sense of community at NAT
The inclusion survey will help follow up on ongoing initiatives and support the development of an even more inclusive, safe, and collaborative work environment.
A word from the dean
01.05.2026
From inspiring collaboration to a great loss
Shortly after returning from the executive board's visit to the inspiring University of Freiburg, the executive board lost its mainstay.
A word from the dean
10.04.2026
DFIR point toward a more flexible and research-focused PhD education
Proposals for extended duration, strengthened research time, and fewer fixed requirements can create better conditions for immersion, academic experimentation, and more resilient PhD trajectories
A word from the dean
19.03.2026
Strong support for SDU Vejle: Morning meeting shows significant interest
The Rector’s morning meeting in Vejle brought together local businesses and SDU leaders for an inspiring update on the development of Campus Vejle
Admission
19.03.2026
Growing interest in science - and strong debut for new programmes in Vejle
The latest counts of this year's quota 2 applications show a generally positive interest in the programmes at the Faculty of Science.
A word from the dean
27.02.2026
The faculty has a new strategy
Under the title 'Natural Science for Societal Needs' the faculty aims to create value for and with society
A word from the dean
06.02.2026
AI Challenges Learning – and the Way We Teach
A theme meeting in ATV highlighted the need for friction, core disciplinary knowledge, and closer collaboration to ensure genuine learning in an AI‑driven era.
A word from the dean
16.01.2026
Community and unity in a time of change
We face a year of new challenges and opportunities – which makes dialogue, trust, and collaboration more important than ever.
A word from the dean
11.12.2025
Research assessment and the definition of excellence
It was both inspiring and thought-provoking to see how work is being done to develop new methods for assessing research, say dean Marianne Holmer after recent conference.
A word from the dean
21.11.2025
More basic funding and more innovation
SDU will receive more basic funding beginning next year. While half will help strengthen our operations the other half has to drive more innovation
News from SDU
EPICUR
28.05.2026
Tell your students about EPICUR – autumn courses available in June
As a lecturer, you can help your students broaden their academic and international horizons through EPICUR. Through the alliance, SDU students have access to a wide range of international courses and activities – teaching is either online, as blended learning (a combination of online and physical attendance) or with physical presence.
Internationalisation project
28.05.2026
The internationalisation project is coming to an end – but the work continues
In the internationalisation project, colleagues across the organisation have identified challenges and pinpointed specific areas for improvement in the effort to attract talented international students. The project is now coming to an end, and the work will continue with a focus on attracting more good applicants, increasing completion rates and building even stronger links to the labour market.
60th anniversary
27.05.2026
The building in the middle of the field which has become a significant factor of the city
After a decades-long relationship, the city of Odense and its university have finally found happiness, and today the University of Southern Denmark plays a crucial role in the narrative of and the attraction to the capital of Funen.
MedTech Odense
26.05.2026
Another major funding boost for the medtech field
MedTech Odense is launching two new calls - Need & Idea and Proof & Validation – which support research-driven innovation on the journey from idea to patient.
Salary
26.05.2026
Pay increase and changes to your May payslip
Your May payslip includes two changes: a pay increase and payment of special holiday allowance.
Equality & Inclusion
22.05.2026
IGAB visit: External experts advise SDU on strengthening equality and inclusion
In late April, SDU welcomed its International Gender Advisory Board (IGAB) to share experiences and discuss how equality and inclusion can be built earlier and more systematically into decision-making—while strengthening leadership capacity across the organisation.
EPICUR
20.05.2026
EPICUR Seed Funding Scheme 2026 – new opportunities for SDU researchers
The EPICUR Seed Funding Scheme is a joint, coordinated effort between EPICUR partner universities to strengthen research collaborations across the alliance. EPICUR is now opening applications for the 2026 edition of the scheme.
EPICUR
13.05.2026
EPICUR Staff Week in Odense 20-22 October 2026
Three days focusing on designing education that empowers students to create value in workplace and society
SDU Vejle
12.05.2026
Winning team selected: New collaboration to shape university and new neighbourhood at Nordkajen
Vejle Municipality and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have named the winning team in a project competition that will set the direction for a new university and the development of Nordkajen.
Memorial service - NB: new location
05.05.2026
Memorial service for Thomas Buchvald Vind
A memorial service for University Director Thomas Buchvald Vind will be held on Thursday, 7 May at 2:00 PM.