By Professor Jens Ringsmose, Rector of University of Southern Denmark
Europe – and European universities – are in the midst of a maelstrom of change.
It is as though most of the tectonic plates of the world have been set in motion at the same time – in terms of world trade, geopolitics and technological development.
Of course, this calls for reflection as the year 2024 draws to an end.
What does this mean for our future, as young universities in Europe? How do we adapt to the radical changes the world is currently facing?
And how do we seize the opportunities to shape the Europe of the future in line with the hopes of European politicians that research and innovation will bring Europe freely, prosperously and securely through the coming decades?
I look forward to discussing this in more detail in the coming years with our YERUN partners.
But the end of the year is also a time to reflect on what went well in the year that has passed. 2024 has been a very good year for the University of Southern Denmark.
We are driven by a strong ambition to create value for and with society through excellent research, outstanding graduates and collaboration. We have strong roots in Southern Denmark and are internationally oriented. Because we know that it is only together with our network of European – and global – research universities and the society around us that we can contribute to solving the global challenges we are all facing.
And in 2024, we have achieved major milestones – in line with our ambitions.
We are opening a new campus, SDU Vejle, which – when we throw open its doors in 2026 – will be a strong new international research and education environment for IT education in Denmark. It will be an environment that gives companies in the area, including the LEGO Group, direct access to the latest research and interplay with talented students.
Furthermore, we have entered into a new strategic partnership on MedTech with the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, and Odense Municipality. This partnership will be a powerhouse of groundbreaking research that can strengthen the development and dissemination of innovative healthcare solutions, so that patients throughout Denmark can benefit from the latest technology as soon as possible.
And, as a world-class sports university, we had as many as six of our students competing at the Paris Olympics this year. It was an impressive effort from all of them, and two of our law students – Niclas Kirkeløkke and Michala Møller – even came home with a gold and a bronze medal, respectively.
Finally, I would like to thank all of our fantastic partner universities in YERUN for a great collaboration in 2024. Now, we are looking forward to an exciting new year full of opportunities, both regionally and internationally. The University of Southern Denmark wishes all YERUN partners a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2024.
