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for employees at the Department of Biology
News from the department
Explainer
07.08.2026
Do you also have a crush on Denmark's little whale?
The more we know about a species, the better we can protect it. The harbour porpoise is Denmark’s very own small whale, and although it possesses remarkable superpowers, it also needs our protection. In collaboration with whale researcher Magnus Wahlberg, we take a closer look at the fascinating world of harbour porpoises.
Invasive species
07.07.2026
Expert on Species Distribution: “The Caterpillar from Hell” Must Be Controlled Through a Collective Effort
The key tools in the fight against the oak processionary moth are effective reporting and swift action. This is the assessment of Professor Sam Cushman at the University of Southern Denmark.
Greenhouse gas
17.06.2026
Lakes and wetlands may consume more methane than expected
Microorganisms at the bottom of lakes and wetlands may break down more methane than previously recognized. This could have implications for our understanding of natural methane emissions to the atmosphere.
Marine ecology
15.06.2026
Tracking life on the seabed after the trawl ban
Over the next 12 years, Danish researchers will monitor how marine ecosystems respond to a halt in trawling. The hope is that developments will be as positive as those observed in Sweden.
Marine ecology
09.06.2026
Warmer seas are undermining Denmark’s environmental efforts
Forty years ago, Denmark introduced a series of plans designed to restore marine ecosystems. Today, however, the situation is worse than ever. What went wrong? According to new research, rising temperatures may have changed everything.
Marine Biology
08.06.2026
How it can be done: Better conditions for seagrass ecosystems in Europe
An alliance of scientists from 17 countries offers joint recommendations and calls on Europe’s decision-makers to protect and restore one of the continent’s most important types of ecosystems.
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.
News from the faculty
A word from the dean
20.08.2026
A lot is happening as we return to work
The offices are buzzing, and with a strategy seminar, an award ceremony, and summer schools underway, activity levels are already high ahead of the start of the semester.
Quota 1
07.07.2026
Applicants: New degree programmes drive 48 % increase for faculty
The science bachelor’s programmes in Odense have received 530 first-choice applications, while the two new programmes in Vejle contribute a further 265. This represents a record-high level of interest in the area of natural sciences at SDU.
A word from the dean
07.07.2026
Have a nice summer
Conference, graduation and new applicants. The first half of 2026 ends with lots of activities at our faculty. Now we are ready for a well-deserved summer break.
A word from the dean
10.06.2026
On the way to Folkemødet on Bornholm
NAT puts research, education and innovation on the agenda
Growth
10.06.2026
NAT drives strong growth in external research funding
NAT has in recent years established itself as a key driver of SDU’s overall growth in external research funding. New figures show strong and stable growth in external funds from 2020 to 2025.
New head of department for FKF
01.06.2026
New head of department to unite FKF around clear priorities and stronger academic environments
Professor Jacob Kongsted has been appointed as the new Head of the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy following a period as acting Head of Department. With in-depth knowledge of FKF’s strengths and challenges, he views it as a central task to create direction and cohesion within a department characterised by an exceptional breadth of disciplines.
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
News from SDU
Friday Café
26.08.2026
The first Friday Café of the semester: Friday 4 September, 2.30 pm – 6.00 pm
We’re kicking off the new semester in style! As always, you’ll find us in the restaurant at SDU Odense.
SDU Business School
26.08.2026
Five sections will bring together SDU’s new Business School
From 1 September, SDU’s business economics environments will be brought together in an independent faculty, SDU Business School. This organisation will create coherence in research and education.
SDU’s 60th anniversary
26.08.2026
From university in Odense to university in all of Southern Denmark
When Odense University first opened its doors in 1966, 180 students began their studies in rented premises. 60 years later, SDU is opening its newest campus in Vejle. Over the years, the University has grown from a small university based in Odense to a university with strong roots and activities across the entire Region of Southern Denmark. This is a story is story of mergers and new campuses and also of an ever-closer connection between the University and the Region it is a part of.
Nordic Centre
25.08.2026
Funding for academic events at the Nordic Centre at Fudan University
The deadline for applications for funding for academic events at the Nordic Centre in Shanghai is 20 September 2026.
Research
25.08.2026
Anton Pottegård wins the Research Communication AwardAnton Pottegård wins the Research Communication Award
The annual award, presented to a researcher who has distinguished themselves through outstanding communication within their field of research, goes to SDU – specifically, Professor Anton Pottegård from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Signature programmes
24.08.2026
Flagship programmes get underway
The five selected flagship programmes at SDU are working purposefully to explore new ways of enhancing teaching, programme design and extra-curricular activities. Read here about the development work on the signature programmes, which begins with the new semester.
SDU Odense
24.08.2026
Update on oak processionary moths at SDU
The infamous oak processionary moth is not affecting teaching or freshers’ events. However, the University of Southern Denmark continues to urge everyone to remain vigilant and to contact Technical Services should they spot the caterpillar.
SDU’s 60th anniversary
21.08.2026
Three new quotes are ready for Interstitiel
To mark SDU’s 60th anniversary, three new quotes will be added to the staircase area around Interstitiel, the column by sculptor and painter Jørn Larsen in front of SDU’s main entrance.
SDU’s 60th anniversary
21.08.2026
SDU marks its 60th anniversary with new quotes, speeches and cake
On Tuesday 15 September, SDU will mark its 60th anniversary at Campus Odense with new quotes at Interstitiel and speeches at the Campus Square. Cake will be served across the campus.
HCM
18.08.2026
HCM has a new look
From Tuesday, August 18, SDU's HR system HCM will have a new look. The homepage has a new color scheme, and the fonts have been updated. At the same time, you will get a comprehensive overview of your profile in HCM when you visit My Activity Center.