Søren Serritzlew appointed as chairman of the board

Søren Serritzlew is a professor at the Department of Political Science at Aarhus University. He has been a member of Independent Research Fund Denamark's research council for Political Science from 2018-2023, serving as the council's chairman from 2019-2021. During part of this period, he was also the chairman of the group of chairmen from the five research councils.

Minister of Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, comments:

"High-quality research is more important than ever if we are to face both current and future challenges. Therefore, I am very pleased that such a strong and internationally recognized figure as Søren Serritzlew has accepted the position to lead the important work of the Independent Research Fund Denmark in enhancing the quality of Danish research. I am convinced that with his extensive experience with working in different funds and councils, his interdisciplinary research profile, and strong strategic abilities, he will set a good direction for the fund's work. At the same time, I would like to express my sincere thanks to both Jørgen Frøkiær and Maja Horst for their efforts."

Søren Serritzlew succeeds Professor and Institute Director Jørgen Frøkiær, who has been the acting chairman since June 1, 2023, when the former chairman, Professor Maja Horst, assumed the position of dean at the Faculty of Arts at Aarhus University, thus stepping down as the chairman of Independent Research Fund Denmark. Jørgen Frøkiær will rejoin the board as a board member.

In connection with his appointment, Professor Søren Serritzlew stated:

"Independent research allows room for new ideas and is crucial for progress and affluence, both in business, intellectual life, and education. It creates knowledge that benefits Danish society, addressing pressing issues such as the climate, security policy, vaccines, and artificial intelligence, as well as many fields that we cannot yet foresee the need to understand better. These breakthroughs are a particular strength of free research. Society is investing almost DKK 2 billion in free research in 2024. Independent Research Fund Denmark administer this investment by giving both younger and established researchers the opportunity to pursue ideas with the greatest potential. I look forward to working as chairman to strengthen the quality and position of independent research in the Danish research landscape."

For further information:
Press inquiries can be directed to the Ministry of Education and Research's press hotline: +45 7231 8181 or email: presse@ufm.dk.

January 09, 2024