The President justified Christine Nellemann's appointment with her strong visions for DTU, her understanding of developing DTU as an inclusive and diverse university, and her unique collaboration skills and focus on involving the entire organization. Therefore, establishing broad collaborations across DTU, industry, and decision-makers will continue in her role as Provost.
Christine Nellemann will set the direction for DTU's excellent research, research infrastructure, and research integrity, as well as focus on EU and foundation research programmes. She will also focus on involving civil society, including discussions on the development of digitalization and the use of AI. Additionally, DTU will contribute to developing and strengthening Europe through its research, consultancy, innovation, and the engineers it graduates.
Strengthening Europe through collaboration
DTU must take responsibility as one of Europe's strongest technical universities and contribute even more to developing and strengthening Europe in a changing geopolitical reality, says Christine Nellemann:
"The EU needs to position itself as an equal player compared to the current global leaders. It is about finding value-creating solutions to climate change and creating a sustainable future for us on the planet - and here, the research and innovation of technical universities play a significant role," she says, continuing:
"At DTU, we make a difference. We have a mission to benefit society, and we create change with our excellent research and innovation and with the engineers we educate, who are in demand in the job market. Impact and excellence go hand in hand at DTU. We must cherish and build on this when we seek influence in collaboration with the other strong European technical universities."
Continued research in sustainability
One of the key issues Christine Nellemann brings with her as Provost is a focus on sustainability research:
"As Dean, I have had a particular focus on sustainability. One of the first tasks the board gave me was to formulate DTU's positions of strength in sustainability research," says Nellemann. "At DTU, we have high ambitions and we research scalable solutions and technologies to accelerate the green transition. When we combine our efforts, we truly create technology for the benefit of people and the planet."
Nellemann will continue to promote the positions of strength as Provost: "DTU must take leadership in the technical and natural sciences - nationally as well as internationally. We do this by inviting others in and becoming the meeting place that sets the agenda," she says.
Ethical perspectives in technology development
In the future, Christine Nellemann will emphasize incorporating ethical perspectives into research and innovation processes:
"It is inevitable to consider ethical perspectives when researching and developing technology. We must take this on as a technical university and strive to be among the preferred advisors in this area for the political bodies in the EU," says the new Provost, continuing:
"I want to set the agenda in addressing ethical dilemmas in increased digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in our technology development and invite industry, authorities, and civil society into this conversation as well."
When we lift together and respect each other, we make a difference
At DTU, we aim to attract the best students and researchers – those who are both creative and ambitious but also willing to work together and include people who think differently from themselves. This requires us at DTU to continue working purposefully on inclusion, diversity, and equality in all parts of the organization.
"The top management at DTU must lead by example, and we must be clear about the boundaries regarding treating each other properly. By creating this inclusive, ambitious, and creative environment, we can remain competitive in attracting the best future researchers, technicians, and leaders."
Christine Nellemann's appointment as Prorector will be celebrated at a reception at DTU on 19 February from 3-5 PM.
