The DNRF annual report, 2024
In short:
- Main news from the Foundation in 2024 (excerpt below).
- A new pioneer center.
- Funding for 13 new Centers of Excellence.
- New DNRF Chair grants that attract foreign talent.
- DNRF’s annual photo competition.
Nine tips for the creative research process
In 2024, the DNRF published “The Pursuit of Novelty,” an inspirational catalog that contributes to the current debate on the power of ideas in research. The publication presents nine calls to action for people who want to stimulate a creative research environment. These calls were created based on discussions and considerations presented by our Centers of Excellence at meetings with the DNRF.
The catalog also served as a source of inspiration for a thematic debate on the power of ideas in the online media Science Report, August 2024.
New chair
Professor Dorthe Dahl-Jensen was appointed new chair of the DNRF in August 2024. Dahl-Jensen took over the position from Professor Jens Kehlet Nørskov, who resigned as chair at the end of 2023. Vice Chair Professor Christian S. Jensen held the chairmanship until August 2024.
A farewell to the CEO
At the end of 2024, Professor Søren-Peter Olesen stepped down as CEO of the DNRF. Olesen has helped fund more than forty new centers of excellence and four pioneer centers since he joined the DNRF in 2015. He has also launched several new projects and initiatives in the secretariat.
Søren-Peter Olesen was replaced by Professor Niels Mejlgaard, who took over the position as CEO in January 2025.
