Strengthening Partnerships: South Danish Delegation in Freiburg
Freiburg, 28/04/2026
The University of Freiburg and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) are taking their collaboration to the next level: Following the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in March, the two partners agreed on a joint roadmap for the coming years during a visit by a delegation from the University of Southern Denmark to Freiburg from April 22 to 24, 2026.
With great shock and deep sorrow, the University of Freiburg has learned of the unexpected passing of Thomas Buchvald Vind, Director of the University of Southern Denmark, on 25 April. Thomas Buchvald Vind visited the University of Freiburg from 22 to 24 April as part of a delegation from the University of Southern Denmark. His work and his commitment to academic exchange will be remembered with great respect. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and friends.
Prof. Jens Ringsmose, Rector at SDU. Photo: Klaus Polkowski / University of Freiburg
The University of Freiburg and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) are taking their collaboration to a new level: following the signing of a strategic partnership agreement in March 2026, both partners finalised the next steps during a visit by an SDU delegation to Freiburg from 22 to 24 April 2026. The focus is on exchange programmes, joint research projects and collaborative teaching initiatives. For the period from 2026 to 2030, both universities are providing a joint budget to specifically support these measures.
“We are convinced that we will improve overall in both research and teaching if we build international networks. That is why we are actively seeking strong partners – and we are certain that this strategic partnership will benefit both the University of Freiburg and us,” emphasises Prof. Jens Ringsmose, Rector at SDU.
“We are convinced that we will improve overall in both research and teaching if we build international networks. That is why we are actively seeking strong partners – and we are certain that this strategic partnership will benefit both the University of Freiburg and us.”
Prof. Jens Ringsmose
Rector at SDU
The delegation included members of the University management and all faculty deans. During their visit, they met with members of the Rectorate and deans from the University of Freiburg.
Faculty networking
In addition to strategic dialogue at University management level, networking among the various faculties also played a key role: during working meetings, the deans identified specific areas for cooperation and launched the first projects.
“Strategic partnerships give us the space to remain curious at first and explore potential opportunities, rather than jumping straight into individual projects. I am convinced that this will create significant opportunities for both universities,” says Prof. Hanne Søndergaard Birksmose, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences at SDU.
“Especially at a time of global challenges, it is crucial for us to actively forge strategic partnerships such as this one in order to develop solutions together. The discussions in Freiburg have highlighted the potential that cooperation with the SDU holds for excellent research, innovative teaching and international networking at all levels of our University, including exchange opportunities for staff.”
Prof. Dr Melanie Arndt
Vice Rector for Internationalization and Sustainability at the University of Freiburg.
Moving forward together into the next partnership phase
With the delegation’s visit, the strategic partnership officially enters its implementation phase, providing fresh impetus for European cooperation in joint research initiatives, the expansion of structured exchange programmes, and the further development of joint teaching formats. At the same time, it builds on the close cooperation that has existed for several years within the framework of the EPICURAlliance.
“Especially at a time of global challenges, it is crucial for us to actively forge strategic partnerships such as this one in order to develop solutions together. The discussions in Freiburg have highlighted the potential that cooperation with the SDU holds for excellent research, innovative teaching and international networking at all levels of our University, including exchange opportunities for staff,” said Prof. Dr Melanie Arndt, Vice Rector for Internationalization and Sustainability at the University of Freiburg.
