Input from the interdisciplinary working groups

The Rector’s Office has not only received submissions from individuals, academy councils and external consultants, but has also received very constructive reports from nine interdisciplinary working groups, in which approximately 75 students and members of staff participated. Under topics such as developing the inner education market, focusing on staff development and stimulating network formation among researchers, the working groups considered issues and specific solution proposals that will be included when drawing up the recommendation for a decision by the University Board at its meeting on 17 June.

• Links to the working groups’ reports 

Proposal for research infrastructure roadmap

The deadline for submitting proposals that pinpoint the most important needs for a research infrastructure of national importance is 7 June. The proposals will be included in implementing payment of funds amounting to DKK 240 million in 2011. These funds were allocated by the Danish government and parties to the conciliation agreement in autumn 2009, and can cover areas such as advanced equipment, databases, laboratories, experimental facilities, etc.

Six academic panels will each draw up a report that should include both short-term and long-term needs, and emphasis in these assessments will be placed on needs that are of a national nature and not just specifically related to individual departments.

The areas are:

1. humanities and social sciences
2. materials technology and nanotechnology
3. energy, climate and environment
4. e-science
5. physics and universe
6. biotechnology, health and life sciences

Background information from the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation

Proposals should be submitted to infrastruktur@fi.dk

Applications for EliteForsk prizes and travelling scholarships

Aarhus University can propose up to eight candidates for EliteForsk (Elite Research) prizes 2010, which are awarded to five candidates under 45 years of age. The EliteForsk travelling scholarships are awarded to 16 candidates, and AU can submit seven proposals. The Rector's Office submits the applications to the Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation, and the deadline for submitting proposals to the Management Secretariat is Tuesday 22 June. Notices have previously been sent to the main academic areas.

Aarhus University collaborates with VIA 

At a meeting on Tuesday 11 May, Aarhus University signed a new collaboration agreement with the VIA University College. This agreement future-proofs the combined efforts to maintain a comprehensive and varied selection of higher education programmes in the Central Denmark Region. 

This specifically takes place by strengthening collaboration regarding the education counselling undertaken by the two study choice centres in the Central Denmark Region. 

In addition to signing the collaboration agreement, the two parties reviewed a complete summary of the existing areas of academic collaboration.

Debate event with Minister for Development Cooperation Søren Pind

Mr Søren Pind, Minister for Development Cooperation, presents the key points of the forthcoming strategy for the Danish development policy when Aarhus University holds a debate event on this subject in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. 

Another speaker is Professor Jørgen Elklit, Department of Political Science, Aarhus University, who will talk about democracy development. The event will conclude with a debate. 

For some considerable time, Aarhus University has collaborated with the other Danish universities on establishing the framework for greater university involvement in development aid. Research and higher education play a crucial role in economic growth and poverty reduction efforts in the poorest countries in the world. 

Everybody is welcome to attend the event, which takes place on 18 May at 10.00–11.30 in the Per Kirkeby Lecture Theatre in the Lakeside Lecture Theatres, University Park, Aarhus.

Calendar

• 25–26 May: Two-day seminar on the academic development process at the Sandbjerg Estate
• 28 May: Presentation of the Rigmor and Carl Holst-Knudsen Award for Scientific Research and PhD prizes
• 31 May, 1–2 June: The Rector’s Office holds May meetings with the main academic areas, including the academy councils
• 7 June: University Board meeting
• 7 June: University management meeting
• 10 June: Main Liaison Committee meeting
• 17 June: University Board meeting
• 17 June: The Rector’s summer speech
• 30 June: University management meeting

Kind regards
The Rector’s Office
12 May 2010

The Rector’s Office publishes a newsletter every week. This newsletter includes a brief description of current activities and discussions. You can sign up for the Danish version of the newsletter at http://info.au.dk/medarbbreve, after which you will receive an e-mail whenever the newsletter is issued.