Mathematician Julie Thøgersen and zoo-physiologist Amanda Bundgård are among the first in Denmark to become part of a new programme from the VILLUM FOUNDATION.

The object of the "Villum International Postdoc Programme" is to support ambitious and outstanding female researchers within technical and natural sciences research at the time in their careers following their PhD, when the high drop-out rate starts for women from academic career positions at the universities.

The programme also focuses on internationalisation, and the researchers have to plan a research stay abroad of 1-2 years, and then return to a Danish university. The host institution should actively support the applicant in ensuring their return to Denmark.

Based on nominations from its Committee for Technical and Scientific Research, the Board of the VILLUM FOUNDATION has decided to give grants to a total of eight applicants, including the two from Aarhus University.

"Common for all the new Villum International Postdocs is their exceptional talent, research ambitions, international experience and excellent university recommendations," said Jens Kann-Rasmussen, chair of the board of the VILLUM FOUNDATION, during the presentation held at the VILLUM Window Collection on 18 February.

Two NAT researchers among the recipients

The two AU researchers receiving the new grants include Julie Thøgersen from the Department of Mathematics, who has received DKK 2.1 million for her project 'Incorporating information from data into the decision making processes in non-life insurance'. Among other things, the grant will facilitate a stay at the Stockholm University.

The other recipient is Amanda Bundgård from the Department of Biology, who received DKK 2.4 million for her project 'Reprogramming metabolism in hypoxia tolerance'. A stay at the University of Cambridge and Harvard Medical School will establish an international and academic foundation for Amanda before she returns to AU.

Read more about the 'first generation' here.