Celebration
The Crown Prince participated in DTU's Commemoration Day 2022
DTU’s Commemoration Day was attended by the Crown Prince and saw the presentation of a large number of prizes and awards to researchers, faculty staff, and students. The evening concluded with a party for 4,000 invitees.
DTU President Anders Bjarklev began the academic part of the Commemoration Day by, among other things, talking about the society of scarcity, the need for skilled engineers, and being physically back at DTU:
“We’re back! Once again, we’re gathered for the event of the year here at DTU—after three years! I've been looking forward to being here again. Together with you all. Celebrating the community, the great efforts, the successes, and our partners. Everything that everyone of you have contributed. Because it deserves a celebration. You deserve a celebration. Thank you so much!”
Anders Bjarklev also stated that we may have to get used to a society of scarcity. We see the price increases at the supermarket, the long waiting list for the new electric car, and rising energy and gas prices:
“Maybe we need to get used to something that few of us have experienced: A society of scarcity as a result of a tragic war in Ukraine, a pandemic, and the highly urgent climate adaptations.”
Anders Bjarklev pointed out that if something is to be done about the society of scarcity, it requires prioritization of research and education, and not least more engineers:
“Because engineers are key to solving these problems, come up with the innovative solutions, and make a difference!”
Read all of the DTU President’s speech
Chair of Polyteknisk Forening
Andreas Ipsen, Chair of Polyteknisk Forening (PF student association), said in his speech:
“After two years of lockdowns, constantly changing regulations, and great uncertainty, now is the time to find peace. The peace that comes from having a stable everyday life. The peace that comes with knowing that our lives aren’t constantly being turned upside down. The peace that comes from having the time and space to not only achieve what we need to do—but also what we want.”
“My vision for the university of the future is one where we empower students to do things on their own terms to a higher degree. A university where we have room to try out things without being concerned whether we can pay the rent next semester.”
“A university where we have the opportunity to pursue the start-up dream or challenge ourselves with a difficult course. A university that has the political structure needed to give students peace of mind. Because that’s what it takes to create immersion, the best university, and the best students."
Two awards for Lecturers of the Year
Every year, the DTU students vote for their lecturers of the year. This year, the honour went to Torben Knudby, Associate Professor at DTU Engineering Technology, and Michael Deininger, Associate Professor at DTU Construct. As Lecturers of the Year, both receive DKK 25,000 and a small gift from the PF student association.
Occupational Health and Safety Award of the Year
This year's Occupational Health and Safety Award was awarded to Lene Holberg Blicher, Laboratory Manager, DTU Bioengineering. The prize comes with DKK 25,000. In his motivation, President Anders Bjarklev said, among other things:
“As Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator since 2014, Lene Holberg Blicher has raised DTU Bioengineering’s occupational health and safety organization to a very high level. The department has several different laboratory classes—including GMOs—(genetically modified organisms) and the working environment is therefore very complex. As Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator, Lene Holberg Blicher's is proactive, persistent, and structured—above and beyond expectations.”
“She works diligently to ensure momentum in working environment projects, and inspires the rest of the working environment organization to perform their best by setting a very high standard herself.”
Doctorate
The Academic Council has awarded Associate Professor Kim Lau Nielsen, DTU Construct, the technical doctorate. The technical doctorate is DTU's highest academic distinction and is given in recognition that Kim Lau Nielsen with his studies of computer models for modelling and analysis of deformation and fractures in metals, has taken the research a significant step further.
Honorary doctorates
This year, two honorary doctorates were awarded. The honorary doctorate is given to a researcher from another university with a long-standing and close relationship with DTU. The honorary doctorates have helped elevate DTU to the international stage through exchange, research, and collaboration.
The first honorary doctorate was awarded to Victor de Lorenzo, Professor of Biological Systems at the CNB, a research institute in Madrid. His appointment was motivated by Professor Søren Molin, DTU Biosustain and captured on video.
Commemorative lecture
This year’s commemorative lecture was given by Professor René Forsberg from DTU Space. René Forsberg’s lecture covered ‘Exploration of the Earth and Climate Change from Satellites and Aircraft’.
Student Start-up of the Year
The Student Start-up of the Year award went to Tempty Foods, which has developed an innovative meat alternative. Behind the start-up are the two newly DTU-graduates Martina Lokajova and Cecilie Engvang Lund and UCPH-graduate Ana Pejic.
The prize came with DKK 25,000 for further development of the product. The award was presented by Marianne Thellersen, Director for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Senior Vice President.
The G.A. Hagemann gold medal
President Anders Bjarklev awarded the G.A Hagemann gold medal to Thomas Højlund Christensen, MSc from DTU, Ph.D. from the University of Washington, and Dr Agro from UCPH. Since 1990, he has been a professor at DTU.
Thomas Højlund Christensen receives the award for his great contribution to elevating DTU among the best universities in the world in engineering in the environmental field. In his motivation, President Anders Bjarklev said:
“Thomas is a role model for both young and more experienced researchers through his distinct strategic overview, his research integrity, and his unwavering focus on research for the benefit of society. He has changed research areas several times throughout his career and has reached the international peak in his field each time. Throughout his years at DTU, he has generously and with great expertise communicated his knowledge both nationally and internationally.”
“Thomas has also made great efforts in many national and international professional forums, has received awards and honours, and has served on a number of Danish and international foundations and boards.”
Party for 4,000 guests
The academic awards ceremony was followed by a reception for the Rectorate, the Executive Board and other guests, respectively. The Crown Prince participated in the Rectorate's reception, where he signed DTU's guestbook and congratulated this year's award recipients. The reception was followed by dinner for 2,600 guests. The evening ended with music and dance for 4,000 guests with a concert featuring Tessa, Lord Siva, Emil Kruse, and Faustix.
Watch the full DTU academic awards ceremony video (1 hour and 42 minutes):
