Aarhus University’s Strategy 2013-2020 was adopted on 5 March 2013 by the Aarhus University Board. The strategy confirms and strengthens the university’s commitment to the course that it has already set, and consolidates its engagement in society.

The strategy focuses on three strategic priorities:

• Basic research and core disciplines of the highest quality that will generate research breakthroughs and collaborate to produce new interdisciplinary research
• Solid research-based degree programmes for all students combined with supplementary academic activities and challenges for the most talented and motivated students
• Internationalised teaching and research programmes that contribute to the high concentration and mobility of talent at all levels.

The strategy builds on a comprehensive development process involving all four main academic areas as well as contributions from the AU committees for research, education, talent development and knowledge exchange. A draft version was made available for an internal consultation process in November and December of 2012. Academic councils, AU forums, student unions, main liaison committees (HSUs) and the main academic areas submitted responses to the draft.

The strategy will be realised through the cooperation of managers, staff and students. Concrete goals will be set for each of the strategic priorities over the course of the strategy period that will contribute to the realisation of Aarhus University’s vision for 2020.

Progress in meeting these strategic goals will be evaluated annually in connection with the progress review of the development contract and the identification of priorities for the coming year.

The groundwork for the 2013-2020 strategy is the 2008-2012 strategy and the goals of the academic development process:

• Strategy 2008-2012 :Quality and diversity
• The academic development process
• Development contract 2012-2014
• Aarhus University’s by-laws