The natural sciences at Aarhus University were founded by pioneers. Since the first courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics and geography in 1954 through later groundbreaking programmes in computer science, biology, geology, molecular biology and nanoscience, we have cultivated curiosity, ambition and courage for generations. We are part of the legacy that has shaped Aarhus University since 1928: generating knowledge of the highest international calibre – in and with our city – to the benefit of society.

The faculty’s identity combines strong core disciplines, cross-disciplinary collaboration, outstanding infrastructure and a unique location in the heart of the city. Developing new fields, delivering excellent basic science, developing high-quality degree programmes, producing value-creating research results and communicating the natural sciences to our society: all part of our tradition. Our researchers, students, and technical/administrative employees work closely together, and we are known for our flat hierarchy, pioneering spirit, inclusive community, open approach to collaboration and a strongly international orientation.

We are proud of our history – but we are even more focused on our future. We will continue to cultivate curiosity, develop talent, conduct groundbreaking research and deliver value to the public sector as well as business and industry. With curiosity as our driving force and collaboration as our method, conduct world-class natural sciences – for the benefit of society. 

The faculty’s strategic direction grows out of the faculty’s identity and strong position within excellent basic science. This is the foundation of our research-based degree programmes, our science communication and the knowledge that is translated into value for society. Since 1992, researchers at the faculty have been awarded twenty-four basic research centres, representing one-fifth of the centres of this kind established within all fields in Denmark. This is a unique strength we will cultivate and build on. 

Throughout history, society has turned to science in times of crisis – from fighting disease to building modern energy systems. We find ourselves in such a period of crisis today. Climate change, loss of biodiversity, resource scarcity and rapidly developing digital technologies interact in ways that call for deep scientific understanding and long-term research capacity. Europe’s changing geopolitical role has intensified the need for resilience, greater independence, secure digital infrastructures and strong scientific capabilities. These pressures shape the context in which our faculty operates. If Denmark is to contribute to solving global and regional challenges, we must educate more STEM graduates within the fields represented at NAT. We must intensify collaboration between our universities and society so that we can translate natural sciences basic research into value for society more rapidly.

At the same time, artificial intelligence technologies are developing at an unprecedented rate, and will impact the labour market, possibilities for new research breakthroughs, the design of our degree programmes and how teaching is delivered. 

The purpose of this strategy memo is to set out how the faculty intends to play a central role in solving the major challenges of our time. We will do this guided by AU’s strategy and by leveraging our positions of strength within basic science, applied science and research-based degree programmes. Research and the generation of knowledge are intrinsically valuable – including as part of society’s long-term scientific preparedness. At the same time, however, we will work to translate our research into value for society through intensified innovation, collaboration with society, and recruiting and educating the next generation of talents