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
02.07.2026
New EU project to safeguard the future of Europe’s forest resources
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark will join forces with the Forest Stewardship Council and European partners to develop solutions to meet Europe’s growing demand for fibre-based materials while reducing the need for virgin wood.
Soft robotics
25.06.2026
SDU researcher develops touch-sensitive robot skin free of electronics
Arman Goshtasbi from SDU Soft Robotics has, in his PhD, developed a tactile robot skin without any electronics on the sensing site, using fluids in silicone channels. The results was recently published in Nature Communications.
Biotechnology
25.06.2026
AI can make new form of cancer immunotherapy more effective
Maria Ormhøj from SDU Biotechnology will establish a new research team at the University of Southern Denmark to help make cancer immunotherapy even more effective. She is among the recipients of one of the prestigious Sapere Aude grants from the Independent Research Fund Denmark.
23.06.2026
SDU researcher awarded major grant to turn metal waste into the raw materials of the future
A major grant from Independent Research Fund Denmark will enable SDU researcher Mohammad Malekan to investigate whether contaminated metal waste from industry can be reused directly in advanced 3D printing. If successful, the project could reduce waste, strengthen Europe’s supply security and make manufacturing more sustainable.
09.06.2026
SDU spinout aims to make solar cells part of architecture
Research from the University of Southern Denmark is now being transformed into a company developing the technology behind organic solar cells. The goal is to make solar cells more attractive to integrate into buildings while strengthening European production of green energy technologies.
08.06.2026
From outbreaks of diseases to major geopolitical changes. Why SDU is educating specialists for a world in constant crisis
Supply chain disruptions, wars and energy shocks have exposed just how vulnerable global supply chains can be. At SDU in Sønderborg, students learn how to use data, simulations and artificial intelligence to help companies anticipate and manage the next major disruption.
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.
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.