Aarhus University is in a strong position

Fortunately, things are going well at AU. We are meeting our financial targets, and on several parameters we’ve even reached a level we didn’t expect to hit until 2027. We’ve entered into an agreement with a number of private foundations on project supplements for external research projects – which frees up some of the university’s co-funding to the benefit of research. We have also signed an agreement with a new supplier for a system to replace the motor of our studies administrations systems, STADS – a milestone that will contributes to a coherent and navigable digital landscape for our students. And our GHG emissions report testifies to solid progress in reducing the university’s climate footprint; what’s more, we now have a new tool that allows us to monitor developments in air travel at Aarhus University.

While I can’t list all of our achievements here, it’s thanks to all of these efforts that we can welcome the summer in the knowledge that we’re prepared to handle the changes that await us in the autumn semester.

One of the major tasks that lies before us is the implementation of the Master’s reform. A reform which will have consequences both for our finances and for our studies administration. The threat of espionage and cybercrime continues to increase demands on research administration and IT. We’ll be implementing registration of working hours for certain employees, and expectations with regard to our sustainability initiatives will continue to evolve in response to climate change.

There are other changes we ourselves initiate. Among other things,in the autumn semester we can look forward to planning the next stage in the development of a geographically unified campus in Aarhus.

But right now, what many of are really looking forward to are our holidays – which are well-deserved! I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone in the administration for your tireless dedication to keeping the university running and thriving. I wish all of you a lovely summer– both those of you who are taking time off and those of you who will be keeping the motor running during the summer months.