In order to improve our framework for nuclear research—while strengthening other existing fields of research at the University—the DTU Executive Board has decided to transfer DTU Nutech’s activities to three other DTU departments on 1 January 2020.
DTU Nutech—a centre that embraces research, scientific advice, and commercial activities—will thereby cease to be an independent organizational unit.
The centre’s employees and facilities will instead be integrated into the three departments DTU Environment, DTU Health Tech, and DTU Physics. The decision takes effect from 1 January, which is also when Jens-Peter Lynov, Director of DTU Nutech, will be retiring.
DTU Nutech’s research and innovation are at a high international level. The Executive Board is confident that significant gains can be made from integrating the centre’s nuclear research into departments working in the same areas.
This will ensure a better alignment of our nuclear research with the strategic focus areas and core tasks of DTU, while providing the best possible opportunities for growth. Also, the step can help attract new funding and expand our teaching portfolio within, for example, radioactive medicine for cancer treatment, Denmark’s nuclear monitoring programme, environmental preparedness, and radiation physics.
"Overall, in our opinion, it will be the best way to anchor nuclear research, so that it will also strengthen other research areas at DTU."
Rasmus Larsen
The integration of our nuclear research into environments with a greater critical mass is thus expected to increase the chances of attracting continued funding as well as talented young researchers.
Process
The reorganization of DTU Nutech is overseen by Executive Vice President, Provost Rasmus Larsen. As part of the efforts, it must be decided how the decision can be executed with respect for DTU Nutech’s staff, research, and the overall objectives and tasks of DTU. At the same time, it must be ensured that DTU continues to honour its commitments towards the Danish public authorities and other external stakeholders.
The reorganization will also involve decisions concerning the future location of activities, taking into account the fact that DTU Nutech has research infrastructures on the Risø Campus, including the Hevesy Laboratory.
"Overall, in our opinion, it will be the best way to anchor nuclear research, so that it will also strengthen other research areas at DTU," says Executive Vice President, Rasmus Larsen.