Head of Department about new strategy: "We support the green transition through groundbreaking research"
Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University will create the basis for the green transition of agriculture and food systems through research and education. This is one of the main messages in the strategy that is now in place. It will set the direction for the department's work until 2025.
The Department of Agroecology will continue to strengthen its position as an internationally recognised research environment for the green transition in agriculture and address current and future sustainability challenges in the production of food, energy and biomaterials.
The strategy has a strong focus on the green transition, says Head of Department Jørgen E. Olesen:
"We will contribute to the green transition in agriculture and pave the way for a sustainable future, through research and innovation and a committed collaboration with other research institutions and the industry."
Eight focus areas
The ambition is to contribute to the green transition in agriculture through research, innovation, policy support, education, talent development, business collaboration and communication to society.
"Our strategy proposes activities within eight focus areas. Together, they fulfil the needs for sustainable production of more food, energy and biomaterials with less external input," says Jørgen E. Olesen.
The eight focus areas include:
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Low carbon farming
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Climate-resilient cropping systems
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Agriculture with low pesticide consumption
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Agriculture with low nutrient emissions
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Maintaining and improving soil quality
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Sustainable digital-based farming
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Farming for biodiversity
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Plant-based food
Talent development and collaboration
As part of the new strategy, the Department of Agroecology will continue to conduct free and independent research, provide policy support, contribute to education and strengthen collaboration with companies in agriculture and related fields.
"An important part of the strategy is the prioritisation of talent development, career and competence development as well as a sustainable and inclusive work environment," says Jørgen E. Olesen, who emphasises that talent recruitment is also part of the department's ambition.
The new strategy calls for close collaboration with employees, partners and stakeholders to contribute to the green transition in agriculture.
"As a research department, we can and must bring our collective knowledge of green solutions, environment, climate, agriculture and food into play. The strategy strengthens us in our efforts to realise our full potential by building on many years of dedicated collaboration with the rest of Aarhus University, Denmark and as a global player," says Jørgen E. Olesen.