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for employees at the Department of Biology
News from the department
Grant
22.09.2026
How do we restore nature effectively? New centre seeks answers
Denmark is undertaking an ambitious effort to restore nature. A new research centre has now been awarded DKK 50 million to investigate what works, what does not, and how ecosystems can best be brought back to life.
Grant
26.08.2026
New project to restore polluted lakes and recycle phosphorus
With DKK 22.1 million in funding from Innovation Fund Denmark, Kasper Reitzel from the Department of Biology will lead the development of a new restoration technology designed for use in Danish lakes.
Citizen Science
25.08.2026
Dormouse biologists still need your help
As nut season begins in late summer and autumn, SDU and Naturama are once again calling on the public to help search for signs of the elusive hazel dormouse. Nutshells, nests and owl pellets can all provide valuable clues about where the species is found.
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.
Grant
25.06.2026
Sapere Aude grant for Jingjing Xu from the Department of Biology
With support from the Independent Research Fund Denmark, Jingjing Xu can now continue her research into how nocturnal insects navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field – knowledge that may also inspire the development of new technologies
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.
News from the faculty
A word from the dean
01.10.2026
Where Knowledge, Curiosity and People Meet
From satellites in space to ecosystem restoration and new drug delivery technologies, we see every day at NAT how research, education and collaboration transform knowledge into solutions that can make a difference for people, nature and society.
A word from the dean
14.09.2026
Germany Points the Way: Innovation Thrives Through Strong Partnerships
Visits to Berlin and Munich highlighted how close collaboration between universities, industry and government can turn research into innovation and real-world impact.
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.
News from SDU
Equality
05.10.2026
Equality work gains stronger cross-organisational anchoring
Equality is a cross-organisational task that matters for SDU’s research, education, working environment and development as an organisation. The Executive Board has therefore decided that cross-organisational support for equality work will in future be anchored in SDU HR. Staff and resources in the Gender & Equality Team (GET) will transfer to SDU HR on 31 December 2026.
Parental leave
05.10.2026
New and improved maternity leave entitlements in the civil service
New maternity leave entitlements have been introduced, offering further benefits to civil servants taking maternity leave.
EPICUR
02.10.2026
Keynote on teaching that creates value
How can teaching create value beyond the classroom? On 20 October, Martin Lackéus from Chalmers University of Technology will give a keynote at SDU on value creation pedagogy.
Webinar
30.09.2026
Webinar on competence development in a changing world of work
How can you develop your competences and prepare for new demands in working life? An EPICUR webinar on 1 October will explore this question.
Ranking
30.09.2026
New internal website on international rankings at SDU
A new internal rankings page makes it easier to gain an insight into SDU’s work on international rankings. Here, staff can read about the significance of the rankings for the university and see how they themselves can contribute to SDU’s international visibility and rankings.
Friday Cafe
28.09.2026
The last Friday Café of the year: 2 October, 2.30 pm–6.00 pm
Pop into the restaurant at SDU Odense and wish your colleagues a lovely weekend.
60th anniversary
24.09.2026
It all began with medicine – 60 years of medical education at SDU
The University of Southern Denmark is celebrating its 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, throughout 2026 we will be focusing on some of the key themes that have their roots in 1966 and which still characterise the university today. This time, the focus is on medicine. In fact, it was the need for more doctors that sparked the establishment of the university. 60 years on, medicine and health continue to play a central role – now with new opportunities for research and innovation at the intersection of medicine and technology.
Movement Day
23.09.2026
Would you like to help set a new exercise record?
Movement Day 2026 is just around the corner, and this year you can once again look forward to an afternoon packed with movement, community and fun activities.
Analysis Portal
22.09.2026
New and improved version of SDU’s Analysis Portal on the way
The overview page containing all relevant data on SDU’s research, students and impact on society is now being enhanced by becoming freely accessible to all staff and featuring an improved platform.
Teaching Award
22.09.2026
SDU Associate Professor receives the 2026 Teaching Award
Associate Professor Bjarne Schmidt from the University of Southern Denmark has been awarded the 2026 Teaching Award for his dedicated and practical teaching in physics and mathematics.