How do you see DTU's work in sustainability?
It is primarily through our research that DTU creates an impact to change the world. Research forms the basis for innovation with companies, advising authorities, and educating the engineers of the future.
Therefore, I would like to foster even more collaboration among researchers across the university. In short, we need to unite around some areas of strength. That is the first task I face right now.
It is also essential that we take responsibility for the footprint DTU, as an organization, has in Denmark and that we are conscious of this societal responsibility. Therefore, sustainability in core services, workflows, and operations is a high priority. Ultimately, it is about us agreeing on the direction in which we are working and what we are working towards to become a university with an even more significant impact.
With the new Sustainability Report 2023, we have started setting some more concrete goals. We can achieve these goals, which will be visible to DTU employees.
Which areas of expertise should we focus on and how?
Initially, we need to identify areas where DTU already has significant knowledge and where we can make a difference in terms of a sustainable transformation of our society. Especially when we join forces across the university, this applies, for example, to more sustainable energy systems, biosolutions, and construction.
It can be challenging for researchers to reach out to other researchers at DTU when their time is already spent on publishing, seeking funding, teaching, and maintaining their international networks.
So specifically, I will invite leading researchers in selected areas of expertise to network meetings, where they can meet across departments and discuss ongoing research within their fields. This knowledge will be compiled into a one-pager on the respective area of strength. It can be further used for an external seminar or as a basis for a morning meeting with industry, foundations, or selected politicians.
I believe that through strengthened internal collaboration—and collaboration with other universities—we will become the preferred partner for developing and advising companies, organizations, and ministries in these areas of expertise. At the same time, it will attract grants and new students.
You also have responsibility for research-based advice. What needs to happen in this area?
DTU already advises public-sector authorities on several larger or smaller areas here in Denmark, but the ministerial system could benefit from even more agreements with DTU. I would also want DTU to stand even stronger in relation to the EU system. We should be a clear and distinct advisor in the technological areas concerning Europe's development.
We need to advise the EU more on which technologies are required and how we will use them. Being part of the decision-making process allows us to influence the solutions that can mitigate the significant challenges in climate, resources, health, and biodiversity.
Diversity, equality, and inclusion are also important parts of sustainability. What can DTU improve here?
DTU's task is to develop technology that suits all people, regardless of physical and mental prerequisites, gender, and ethnicity. Therefore, we must work towards a more diverse mindset and composition of employees and students. When we embrace diversity, it leads to better research, innovation, education, and advice. And thereby, we will develop more and better technology for people.
DTU is for everyone who can and will. And fortunately, DTU has made progress in diversity over a short period. We have become much more global and attract employees with different educational backgrounds. But we must continue to work on various forms of diversity and inclusion of diversity and set ambitious goals that we can follow up on.
And because we have the students to remind us of a changing world constantly, we are in many ways well placed to be a modern university that is continuously developing.
