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.

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.

The Distinguished Senior Innovators 2025 are:

Professor Heather Anne Swanson, School of Culture and Society
Heather Anne Swanson wants to include perspectives from the humanities and social sciences in the green transition. She collaborates with businesses and civil society to develop sustainability projects that go beyond technological solutions.

Associate professor Christian Dindler, School of Communication and Culture
Christian Dindler creates platforms where humanities students can connect with businesses, to make the businesses aware of the skills that these students bring to the table and to help the students navigate their careers.

Professor Helle Neergaard, Department of Management
Her project, Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) aims to create an environment that offers new forms of support for female entrepreneurs. The project focuses on developing alternative financing and education solutions in collaboration with other players in the field. The goal is to strengthen the role of women in Danish entrepreneurship, as they are significantly under-represented at the moment. 

Professor Karin Lykke-Hartmann, Department of Biomedicine 
The QUEINI project aims to revolutionise fertility treatments by developing methods to improve the egg fertilisation and increase the chance of pregnancy. Early career researchers are involved in the initiative, and a new biotech company will be established as part of it.

Associate professor Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Ulf Andersson Vang Ørom focuses on developing medical treatments for incurable diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, through RNA research. The project is a step towards creating patentable solutions that can revolutionise treatment.

Associate professor Christoffer Karoff, Department of Geoscience and Department of Physics and Astronomy
With a research background in space technology, Christoffer Karoff advocates for more accurate strategies for environmental and climate protection by improving the measurement of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. His project will also strengthen Denmark’s position in the space industry’s global market.

Associate professor Jens Vinge Nygaard, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering
Jens Vinge Nygaard researches computer modelling of biomaterials and tissues. His project focuses on developing new methods to treat muscular dystrophy and chronic wounds through electrical stimulation. He wants to involve early career researchers in developing the technology.