News from the department
Brain research
25.01.2021
DKK 35 million for new type of research in neuro diseases
Professor Martin Røssel Larsen has received DKK 35 million from the Lundbeck Foundation to cultivate and research mini-brains.
Cancer
14.01.2021
Why does breast cancer often spread in obese women?
Every year, approx. 5,000 Danish women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Obesity makes the cancer cells more aggressive, so they spread to other parts of the body. This is the focus of Rasmus Siersbæk’s research and he hopes to be able to find better treatment methods for this disease.
Small revolutions
15.10.2020
Researcher uses mini-brains for disease research
Professor Martin Røssel Larsen researches brain diseases. In order to better understand them, he makes mini-brains from stem cells in his laboratory.
Cannabis
24.03.2020
New study: Cannabis helps fight resistant bacteria
Bacteria are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. By combining antibiotics with the cannabis compound, cannabidiol, researchers have found a way to enhance the antibiotic effect.
New research
10.03.2020
SDU intensifies its research in artificial skin
Researchers want to develop and 3D print skin for humans. The Novo Nordisk Foundation provides DKK 15 million for a new research project.
09.03.2020
Closing in on liver fibrosis: Detailing the fibrosis process at unprecedented resolution
Today, there is no effective way to treat liver fibrosis. In a new study, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark, SDU, present a new technology to investigate the cellular processes as they change during fibrosis development. Key findings are being validated in studies of human patients, paving the way for possible novel diagnostics and treatments.
Grants
23.01.2020
Phantom genes keep diabetes at bay
Until now, the purpose of a ‘phantom gene’ was largely unknown. New research suggests that it helps to ensure a healthy metabolism and could be involved in the development of lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).
News from the faculty
13.05.2026
Border region aims to drive the future of energy systems
After years of close cross-border collaboration, the Interreg project SmartPowerConversion is now concluding with results that already point towards the next phase. Researchers and companies have developed new solutions for intelligent power management and energy storage – technologies that could become crucial as Europe faces growing pressure on its electricity grids.
12.05.2026
SDU opens the door to a new AI supercomputer for local businesses
A new AI supercomputer will give companies in Sønderborg and the Danish-German border region access to advanced AI solutions, support new product development, and strengthen competitiveness. Researchers at SDU’s Centre for Industrial Software now want to work even closer with industry.
Gastrophysics
07.05.2026
What actually happens when you boil a bean?
Researchers from SDU Food Matters at the University of Southern Denmark will spend the next five years studying how the natural microstructures of beans change during preparation, and how this knowledge can be used to develop better food packed with plants.
Energy informatics
05.05.2026
AI, sensors and drones could make the district heating in your radiator cheaper
Today, district heating pipes are often replaced on the basis of age rather than knowledge of their actual condition. A new research project headed by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) aims to make maintenance smarter, which could yield both economic benefits and improvements in security of supply.
29.04.2026
Pressurised electricity grids require smarter management of electrical energy
As new electricity consumers place increasing pressure on infrastructure, researchers point to smarter management and energy storage as part of the solution.
21.04.2026
Researchers aim to use plants to remove microplastics from water
A new Danish project aims to develop a green method for removing microplastics from water using plant-derived natural substances. The goal is to replace the synthetic chemicals currently used.
Construction
20.04.2026
SDU researchers exhibit at Milan Design Week
Milan Design Week, held from 20 to 26 April, is usually a platform for architects and designers to showcase their latest work. This year, however, a team of researchers from the Faculty of Engineering at University of Southern Denmark is also taking part.
15.04.2026
SDU students to send an experiment to the edge of space
The CHRONO-CAT team from SDU has received a conditional green light to participate in the European space program REXUS/BEXUS. They must now prepare their custom stratospheric experiment to test future materials for space exploration.
14.04.2026
The tiny component that could make electric cars and wind turbines more efficient
Most people have never heard of a capacitor. Yet it is found in almost all modern electronics – from electric cars to wind turbines. In his PhD at the University of Southern Denmark in Sønderborg, Jonas Wittmaack developed a new type of capacitor that can reduce energy losses, save weight, and make electronics easier to recycle. He is now working to turn the research into a company.
Drones
13.04.2026
New research project could extend critical battery life for drones
By rethinking the way computers work, it is possible to improve the energy efficiency of digital systems, including drones for both civilian and military use. That is precisely what researchers from the University of Southern Denmark will be working on in a major new European project.
News from SDU
Equality & Inclusion
22.05.2026
IGAB visit: External experts advise SDU on strengthening equality and inclusion
In late April, SDU welcomed its International Gender Advisory Board (IGAB) to share experiences and discuss how equality and inclusion can be built earlier and more systematically into decision-making—while strengthening leadership capacity across the organisation.
EPICUR
20.05.2026
EPICUR Seed Funding Scheme 2026 – new opportunities for SDU researchers
The EPICUR Seed Funding Scheme is a joint, coordinated effort between EPICUR partner universities to strengthen research collaborations across the alliance. EPICUR is now opening applications for the 2026 edition of the scheme.
EPICUR
13.05.2026
EPICUR Staff Week in Odense 20-22 October 2026
Three days focusing on designing education that empowers students to create value in workplace and society
SDU Vejle
12.05.2026
Winning team selected: New collaboration to shape university and new neighbourhood at Nordkajen
Vejle Municipality and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have named the winning team in a project competition that will set the direction for a new university and the development of Nordkajen.
Memorial service - NB: new location
05.05.2026
Memorial service for Thomas Buchvald Vind
A memorial service for University Director Thomas Buchvald Vind will be held on Thursday, 7 May at 2:00 PM.
SDU - Sønderborg
05.05.2026
Denmark launches energy-efficient AI supercomputer that reuses waste heat in local energy system
The University of Southern Denmark, in collaboration with Danfoss and HPE, is bringing a new national AI supercomputer online, enabling Danish universities to handle large data volumes and advanced AI models within a single shared infrastructure. At the same time, the project demonstrates a new model for how AI infrastructure can be built more energy-efficiently at global scale by integrating data centers into energy systems and reusing waste heat.
SDU - Esbjerg
04.05.2026
SDU puts distinctive villa in Esbjerg into use
The University of Southern Denmark has now officially taken possession of Langlihus at Sædding Strandvej 18 in Esbjerg. The handover was marked at a reception in the villa on 4 May. The property was donated to SDU in 2025 by the Henning G. Kruse Foundation and will now be the setting for a number of academic activities.
Friday café
04.05.2026
Don't miss the Friday café for all SDU employees 8 May
Last month, we premiered our Friday Café for employees. The support was overwhelming, and we are ready with the next café: Friday 8 May at 15-18
Drones
30.04.2026
SDU and the Danish Defence to work more closely together on public safety
On 4 May, the first drone conscripts will report for duty at SDU in Odense. They are to attend a drone engineering course as part of the cooperation between the SDU Drone Centre and the Danish Defence Drone Centre. Below, Rector Jens Ringsmose explains why increased cooperation with the Danish Defence is both important and relevant.
HR Excellence
30.04.2026
Exhibition on SDU's research ethics universe has opened
The exhibition on good research practice is now open in the Library Atrium at SDU in Odense. The exhibition can be experienced until the end of May.