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for employees at the Department of Biology
News from the department
Conservation
06.10.2026
Where can jaguars still roam?
The largest study of its kind reveals where jaguars remain connected and where populations are becoming isolated.
Explainer
06.10.2026
Seaweed and algae in the kitchen: yes please or no thanks?
Seaweed and algae are increasingly and enthusiastically being promoted as foods of the future. But what do they actually bring to the table? Biologist and seaweed researcher Jamileh Javidpour takes us into the world of seaweed.
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.
News from the faculty
A word from the dean
27.10.2026
A positive encounter with university life makes a difference
248 high school students and graduates on their gap year visited the Faculty of Science during this year’s study placement programme. It is encouraging to see such strong interest, as our efforts to attract and motivate prospective students will only become more important in the years ahead.
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.
News from SDU
SDU Bevæger Sig
29.10.2026
SDU Bevæger Sig to continue until 2031
Following a successful 2026 edition of SDU Bevæger Sig, there are plans for further events and initiatives for SDU staff, as the scheme has been extended.
AI at SDU
29.10.2026
How SDU puts its AI policy into practice
Artificial intelligence is intended to contribute to the quality of the university’s work. SDU’s AI policy sets out the framework, whilst specific guidelines and skills development are designed to support its use in day-to-day operations.
60th anniversary
28.10.2026
From a royal inauguration to a shared celebration over 60 years
The University of Southern Denmark is celebrating its 60th anniversary. To mark the occasion, we are highlighting some of the traditions and characteristics that have their roots in the university’s early days and which still characterise SDU today. This time, the focus is on the Annual University Celebration. On Friday, around 4,000 students and staff will gather for the university’s biggest celebration.
EPICUR
28.10.2026
SDU to lead EPICUR’s work on the skills of the future
On 1 November, a new two-year project period begins for the European university alliance EPICUR. Several of the alliance’s joint initiatives are to be integrated into the universities’ standard practices, and SDU will be responsible for work on the skills of the future.
Car Fleet
27.10.2026
New electric cars on their way to the SDU Shared Car Fleet
SDU is replacing the last 25 petrol and diesel cars in the shared car fleet with 26 electric cars. This replacement means that, for a while, the selection in the Mileage Book booking system may appear smaller when you book a journey in 2027.
Climate
26.10.2026
New report provides inspiration for SDU’s ongoing climate action
A new SDU report from the FORWARD Task Force provides a range of practical tools and recommendations designed to inspire the university’s ongoing work on its green transition.
Research collaboration
23.10.2026
Apply for funding for research collaboration with the University of Freiburg
Researchers at SDU can now apply for up to EUR 50,000 for joint projects with colleagues at the University of Freiburg. The new SDU-UFR Seed Funding scheme is open to all academic fields. The application deadline is 30 November 2026.
Climate ambassador
12.10.2026
Become a climate ambassador at SDU
– and put the climate on the agenda where you work.
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.