New book on AU’s history to be published

[Translate to English:] Studerende sidder i auditorium med corona-afspærringer — A picture from AU’s recent history: Between 2020 and 2022, Covid-19 turned the world – and Aarhus University – upside down. The pandemic marked a turning point that transformed daily life for both staff and students, impacting social life at the university and AU’s approach to teaching. AU Photo: Lars Kruse

[Translate to English:] Kong Christian X og overlæge Victor Albeck ved grundstensnedlæggelsen d. 30. august 1932. — A picture from AU’s early history: King Christian X and senior hospital physician Victor Albeck at the foundation stone ceremony on 30 August 1932, when the king laid the first stone for the first university building. Victor Albeck was chair of the University Teaching in Jutland committee and the University and City Liaison Committee, and he is regarded as one of the university’s founders. Photo: E.A. Ebbesen

18 May 2026 by Ida Hammerich Nielson

In 2028, Aarhus University will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and the occasion will be marked in style. There are several projects in the pipeline, and the senior management team can now reveal one of them: an upcoming book that will chronicle the first 100 years of Aarhus University’s history – from its humble beginnings in rented premises on Nørre Allé right up to 2028, when Aarhus University will have expended its campus to include the new University City. The new book will cover the history of student life, research, education and the campus.

Aarhus University Press will edit and publish the book, which will be written in Danish by researchers affiliated with the university. Marie Vejrup Nielsen, head of the School of Culture and Society, is chairing the editorial steering committee, which is supported by a cross-disciplinary advisory group comprising representatives of academic staff, technical and administrative staff, and students.

Rector Brian Bech Nielsen is delighted that a new history of the university is now in progress. The last book on the history of Aarhus University was published back in 2005.

“It makes sense to write a new book on the history of Aarhus University because our understanding of the past is constantly evolving. The book will offer a more nuanced picture of the university’s role in society and its development over time. It will also document the major changes that Aarhus University has undergone in recent decades,” says Brian Bech Nielsen, adding:

“Aarhus University has played an important role in the lives and personal histories of both students and staff over the years. The new book on the university’s history can help highlight the many strong communities Aarhus University has fostered over the last century.”