Aarhus University appoints seven researchers as ambassadors for innovation
Seven distinguished researchers have been selected as Distinguished Senior Innovators. These researchers will serve as ambassadors for knowledge-based innovation, addressing global challenges in climate, health, and technology.
![[Translate to English:] De udnævnte forskere repræsenterer en bred vifte af faglige baggrunde – fra antropologi til biomedicin og rumteknologi.](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/9/csm_Untitled_design_01e1b0bb2d.jpg)
From combating infertility, muscular dystrophy, and cancer to developing climate technologies and enhancing gender equality, Aarhus University has appointed the first seven researchers to the Distinguished Senior Innovators (DSI) programme – the first of its kind in Denmark.
The newly appointed Distinguished Senior Innovators are expected not only to produce groundbreaking research but also to lead by example, demonstrating how academic excellence and innovation go hand in hand. As ambassadors for scientific innovation, they will showcase the combination of profound scientific insight with an entrepreneurial spirit.
“We can clearly sense the commitment and drive of these seven researchers to make a difference through the DSI programme, and they will serve as powerful catalysts for innovation in a broad sense. We aim to show that outstanding research can create value both within and beyond the research environment. If one of these researchers builds a billion-dollar company, that’s certainly a success, but our ambition is much broader,” says Rector Brian Bech Nielsen.
Interdisciplinary projects with great potential
The selected researchers represent a wide array of disciplines – from anthropology to biomedicine and space technology.
Among them is molecular scientist Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom, who will explore RNA technologies for tackling incurable diseases, while anthropology professor Heather Anne Swanson will demonstrate how interdisciplinary approaches can advance climate technologies. Entrepreneurship researcher Helle Neergaard will address the significant underrepresentation of female entrepreneurs in the business world.
According to Business Director Lone Ryg Olsen, these appointments mark an important step in the university’s strategy to strengthen a culture of innovation and create better conditions for research application in diverse ways:
“Collaboration strengthens research, and research strengthens collaboration. The more synergy we can create between excellent research and societal needs, the better it is for both society and individual researchers. Therefore, we enter this programme with the ambition to inspire many more researchers to apply their research in new ways, for example, as entrepreneurs,” states the director for enterprise and innovation.
Support for the entire innovation process
With the DSI programme, the researchers receive not only a title but also access to comprehensive support through the university's network and resources. The Kitchen, the university’s entrepreneurial hub, will play a key role in supporting the researchers’ work by offering workshops, industry networking, and guidance on external funding. The Kitchen, now home to over 500 researchers and students, has established itself as a dynamic centre for innovation, where DSI researchers will find support to advance their projects.
The seven researchers were selected based on ambitious innovation projects with the potential to generate both commercial value and significant societal impact. Faculty evaluation committees have carefully reviewed applications, placing emphasis on the researchers’ ability to foster a culture of innovation across the university.
Based on faculty recommendations, the university management has appointed the researchers.
With a shared ambition to make a difference, they now face up to five years of work in which they will combine research and innovation at the highest level.