25 years of research in plant breeding, protection and green transition
This year, Aarhus University in Flakkebjerg celebrates its 25th anniversary. This was marked with a festive event on 8 June 2023. Current and former employees, students, partners and stakeholders from all over the country gathered. The anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the department's long-standing contribution to agricultural research and education.
In his welcome speech, Dean Eskild Holm Nielsen highlighted the many achievements and progress AU Flakkebjerg has made over the past 25 years, congratulating and thanking both current and former employees. Slagelse's Mayor, Knud Vincents, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and emphasised the importance of having an internationally recognised research center in Slagelse Municipality's backyard.
The Vice Chairman of Landbrug & Fødevarer Thor Gunnar Kofoed called for continued collaboration to ensure the future of food and emphasized the significance of generating interest among young people in agricultural research and the green transition, such as the research conducted at AU Flakkebjerg. "Thank you for the first 25 years; we are ready for 25 more," he concluded his speech to the attendees.
Researchers share their knowledge
Following the speeches, a series of inspiring lectures from prominent researchers at the West Zealand Research Center took place. Approximately 175 participants gained insights into research topics such as "25 years of development in crop technology and genetics," "Diabetes bread and bioplastics," "Microorganisms for enhancing plant resistance," and "Robots and plant cultivation in 2040."
To conclude the series of speeches, Head of Department and Professor Jørgen E. Olesen took the guests on a journey into the future, presenting visions and future plans for AU Flakkebjerg. He particularly emphasised the education of young people, generational shifts, and a future where the new technologies presented by researchers earlier in the day will play a pivotal role.
Showcasing research, machinery, and robots
Following the speeches, the Department of Agroecology, located at AU Flakkebjerg, hosted a reception. In addition to treats for the palate, attendees enjoyed the beautiful weather while learning about the innovative projects and research conducted at AU Flakkebjerg. For the occasion, the research center opened its doors to an exhibition where participants could see and learn about the latest technologies and methods in agricultural research, as well as the newest and most advanced equipment for research and experiments.