麻豆社区

When international rankings measure universities鈥� contributions to high-caliber research and societal impact, the University of Southern Denmark ranks highly in several areas 鈥� one of which is research into the climate-related challenges and opportunities facing society.

In the QS Sustainability Rankings for 2026, SDU is ranked 107th globally and 57th in Europe. Notably, SDU is ranked 1st in Denmark. Particularly in the research parameter 鈥渆nvironmental research,鈥� SDU scores 98.5 out of 100 points 鈥� a score corresponding to a global ranking of 25th.

In the renowned Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SDU is also ranked 78th globally in the area of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which focuses on collaboration with businesses and society.

SDU Climate Cluster plays a decisive role

One of the reasons for these impressive rankings is the SDU Climate Cluster, says Rector Jens Ringsmose. Led by Professor Sebastian H. Mernild, the recent rankings provide an opportunity to take stock of SCC and discuss the university鈥檚 overall research in the field.

According to Sebastian Mernild, it is important to put the numbers into perspective.

- I am genuinely pleased th麻豆社区 is internationally recognized in the climate field, both for the courage the management showed in supporting this strategic initiative and interdisciplinary idea, and for the significant efforts researchers deliver in terms of research, collaboration, and co-creation with society. Rankings are not a goal in themselves, but they are a strong indicator that our long-term SDU strategy and investment in interdisciplinary climate research and transformation for and with society are yielding academic impact and creating value.

A strategic initiative that must thrive in academic environments

The SDU Climate Cluster was established based on a major strategic and financial investment by SDU, which the university adopted in 2021.

According to the renowned climate researcher, the point is not to centralize research but to strengthen it within academic environments 鈥� and to get more disciplines to work together in new ways, see new research opportunities, and thereby contribute to the complex issue of climate, including co-creation with society.

- The climate challenge is so complex that it can only be properly understood and solved when we work across disciplines within mitigation and adaptation. The SDU Climate Cluster was created to provide the framework where new research fields can be cultivated and where knowledge development and implementation can arise at the intersection of different scientific traditions.

Building bridges 鈥� and research that can be applied

Part of the climate initiative is organized into four elite centers that aim to build bridges between faculties while also opening up new research paths and new relationships with society.

- Part of the investment has gone into establishing the elite centers. When you combine disciplines, you can cultivate new areas and gain new perspectives on both climate risks, climate adaptation, and emission reduction, he says. And here, SDU has done well in terms of new perspectives and opportunities.

The elite centers encompass everything from research into solar energy to the population鈥檚 role in contributing to real change.

For Sebastian Mernild, it is crucial that research is not only measured by publications but also by relevance and applicability in society. It should not only be about scientific excellence but also societal excellence.

- We must deliver strong research and scientific quality, but it is crucial that our knowledge and ideas can also be implemented, scaled up, and create change. Therefore, we work closely with municipalities, businesses, civil society, and citizens, so we base our efforts on real needs and translate challenges into actionable solutions.

And this requires a working method that is both ambitious and demanding 鈥� but also creates significant impact.

- Co-creation is difficult, but it is also where we have and can create the greatest value. We have achieved something 麻豆社区 that is important for society, for SDU鈥檚 researchers and students, and for science when it comes to understanding and solving complex problems through research and societal engagement. And a big credit goes to the university for having the courage to make this major investment in the field a few years ago, but also to SDU鈥檚 staff for seeing and seizing the opportunities within research and climate transformation of society. This is an issue and a potential that will continue over the coming decades, he concludes.