News

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

How can the environmental health of the Baltic Sea be improved?

Interreg project RECOVER develops a digital management system for the Baltic Sea

Approx. DKK 25 million awarded to Science researchers from the Carlsberg Foundation

Eight researchers from the Faculty of Science have received funding for their research projects

Humpback Whales Are Making a Comeback – Here’s One Reason Why

Humpback whales are less picky eaters than other baleen whales. If cod runs out in an area, they may switch to krill. This flexibility might be a key reason for their evolutionary success, according to whale scientists in a recent study.

It is Our Duty to Protect the Life Forms That Cannot Defend Themselves

Elvis Genbo Xu is an environmental toxicologist on a mission: to make the world a less toxic place. Now he is awarded with the Grundfos Prize for his research.

Jens Ringsmose's appointment is extended as Rector at SDU

SDU's Board of Directors has decided to extend Jens Ringsmose's appointment as Rector for a 3-year period.

New flexitime agreement for technical and administrative staff at SDU

A new joint flexitime agreement for technical and administrative staff (TAP) at SDU has now come into effect. The agreement has been made between SDU’s management and union representatives. The agreement is effective from 1 April 2026 and replaces previous flexitime agreements at the university.

Remember the New Friday café on Friday

Remember that on Friday 10 April at 15-18, SDU invites you to the first Friday Café for all employees in the restaurant at SDU Odense.

News about the OK26 settlements in the state/public sector

On 11 February 2026, the Ministry of Finance, the Central Confederation of Professional Associations (CFU) and Akademikerne (AC) agreed on a three-year state collective agreement. Below is a brief overview of the agreement.

Instructional videos from SDU Research Academy are now available to all researchers

SDU is now offering a series of learning videos from the SDU Research Academy that aim to help both researchers and leaders enhance their skills in research project management, leadership of researchers, and much more. Learn how you can benefit from these videos here.

An education-focused university in constant motion for 60 years

The University of Southern Denmark celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, throughout 2026 a series of articles will highlight key themes that trace back to 1966 and continue to define the University today. This article focuses on education – and on how pioneering spirit, student influence and new degree programmes have shaped SDU from its first 180 students to becoming a regional and international university with more than 200 times as many students.

Visit the Festival of Research 2026 at SDU in April

SDU enters strategic partnership with the University of Freiburg

The University of Southern Denmark has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, strengthening the university's international collaboration.

Introducing SDU’s new signature programmes

SDU is launching its first signature programmes. Five bachelor’s degree programmes have been selected by the Rectorate to be development labs for education and to offer particularly ambitious bachelor’s degree programmes to a small number of academically talented students.

SDU’s Rector on the Master’s Degree Reform – SDU must forge stronger connections between studies and business

The Master’s Degree Reform will gradually transform the master’s degree landscape towards 2028 and will have a significant impact from 2028 onwards. At SDU, work is well underway, and the first new degree programmes will start as early as September. Rector Jens Ringsmose sees the Reform as a major and demanding reorganisation – but also as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between universities, students and the labour market.