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News
for employees at the Department of Biology
News from the department
Invasive species
07.07.2026
Expert on Invasive Species: “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.
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.
News from the faculty
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
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.
News from SDU
SDU
06.07.2026
Increase in applications for SDU’s degree programmes
Once again this year, there are positive trends in applications for bachelor’s degree programmes at the University of Southern Denmark, with an increase in the number of applications to five out of six faculties. In addition, there is considerable interest in the programmes at SDU Vejle and SDU Business School.
Election Committee
02.07.2026
Frederik Waage Reappointed as chairman to the Election Committee – New Members Sought
SDU’s seasoned law professor Frederik Waage will continue in his role as Chair of SDU’s Election Committee for the next three years. At the same time, there are vacant positions in the committee that interested colleagues are encouraged to explore further.
SDU Odense
01.07.2026
The Oak Processionary Moth at SDU Odense
The oak processionary moth has been found on Funen. SDU is monitoring the situation and combating the caterpillar where it poses a risk. Read what you need to be aware of.
SDU
30.06.2026
New University Director at the University of Southern Denmark
Following a recommendation from Rector Jens Ringsmose, the SDU Board of Governors has decided to appoint Simon Krogh as the new University Director. He joins from a position as Group Director at the Employment and Social Services Department of Odense Municipality and will take up the position on 1 September 2026.
Summer holiday
25.06.2026
Summer opening hours in the Central Administration
The summer holiday period brings changed opening hours and reduced staffing levels across several units in the Central Administration. Here you will find a comprehensive overview of this summer’s opening hours and closure periods.
Programme structure
25.06.2026
New programme structure provides more time for the master’s thesis and a clearer framework for planning
SDU has adopted a new programme structure for its master’s programmes. The new structure will provide a good framework for master’s theses and final projects and also take staff planning into account in relation to supervision, assessment and holidays.
Triple Degree
24.06.2026
SDU strengthens European education cooperation with new triple degree
A new international master’s degree programme at the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences and brings together geopolitics, international security and law in one common European education programme. The degree programme was developed as part of the EPICUR collaboration and is structured as one programme studied at three universities in three countries.
SDU’s joint committees
24.06.2026
Simon Torp takes over key committee chairmanships after Ole Skøtt
Over the years, Ole Skøtt has held several key positions in SDU’s joint committees. When he steps down as Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the end of August, Simon Møberg Torp will take over a number of key committee chairmanships in SDU’s joint committees.
EPICUR
24.06.2026
Registration extended: EPICUR Staff Week is open to all SDU employees
The registration deadline for EPICUR Staff Week at SDU has been extended to 1 July 2026, and employees across SDU can take part in three days focusing on teaching, practice relevance and students’ value creation in working life and society.
Ranking
19.06.2026
SDU climbs the prestigious QS rankings once again
The University of Southern Denmark has achieved its best-ever position in the QS World University Rankings. This year, SDU climbed 20 places to number 283, thereby strengthening its overall position in an increasingly competitive academic landscape.