New initiative from Aarhus University: Denmark’s first elite program for innovation is underway

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Aarhus University has just selected the first seven researchers for the groundbreaking Distinguished Senior Innovators (DSI) program – a new strategic initiative that focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship in academic research. The DSI program, the first of its kind in Denmark, marks the university’s goal to break the traditional framework and inspire researchers to translate their research into practical solutions with potential societal and economic value.

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“We want to show that excellent research can create value both inside and outside the research environments. If one of the researchers creates a new billion-dollar company, it is of course a success, but the ambition is much broader,” says Rector of Aarhus University, Brian Bech Nielsen, in a press release.

Spanning a wide range of disciplines from anthropology to space technology, the DSI researchers have been carefully selected not only for their scientific expertise, but also for their ability to drive innovation and bridge the gap between research and business. The program seeks to demonstrate how researchers can combine deep scientific insight with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to translate ideas into concrete solutions for society.

A new approach to interdisciplinary research with high ambition

The seven researchers represent interdisciplinary projects with the potential to create both commercial value and significant societal improvements. For example, molecular scientist Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom is working on RNA technologies to help fight incurable diseases, while anthropology professor Heather Anne Swanson is exploring how interdisciplinary approaches can advance climate adaptation technologies. Entrepreneurial researcher Helle Neergaard wants to tackle the significant underrepresentation of female entrepreneurs in business through her research and engagement.

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“The more interaction we can create between excellent research and the needs of society, the better for both society and the individual researcher. Therefore, we enter the program with an ambition to inspire many more researchers to apply their research in new ways, for example as entrepreneurs,” says Lone Ryg Olsen, Business Director at Aarhus University.

The DSI program offers not only a title, but also extensive support through university resources and networks. The Kitchen, the university’s entrepreneurial hub, will play a key role in supporting the work of the researchers by offering workshops, networking with industry and advice on external funding. With over 500 researchers and students involved, The Kitchen has established itself as a dynamic center for innovation and will act as a support point for DSI researchers to develop projects that can have broad impact.