The IT University plays a vital role in the newly established National Centre for Research in Digital Technologies
The Innovation Fund Denmark has granted DKK 100 million for the establishment of a national research centre in digital technologies, led by a consortium of seven Danish universities and the Alexandra Institute.
Jens Christian GodskesenAbout ITUCollaborationsResearchgrants
Written 26 November, 2020 09:24 by Jari Kickbusch
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a member of the recently established National Centre for Research in Digital Technologies, DIREC, which is unique in two ways: it is the first research center that brings together computer science research from a range of Danish universities, moreover, the DKK 100 million grant is the largest in Innovation Fund Denmark’s history.
The center will contribute to addressing the capacity challenges within Computer Science (CS) research and education for digital technologies in Denmark, through recruitment of excellent researchers at the highest international level and education to accelerate the number of Computer Science graduates. Furthermore, DIREC aims to transfer research into digital solutions and long-term digital transformations, in cooperation with the private and public sector.
Pro-rector at the IT University of Copenhagen, Jens Christian Godskesen, a driving force behind the center’s establishment, will be chairman of DIREC's board. He recognises the successful funding for a joint national center, collaborating across so many universities, as a significant achievement towards creating an academic foundation for digital technology development in Denmark.
- I am really pleased that we have succeeded in establishing this center. It is a strong signal that the Danish computer science research communities are connecting in contributing to Denmark's common good. In addition, the fact that Danish foundations are now investing more into digital technologies research is a step in the right direction, but still, even more money is needed to meet the societal challenges”, says Jens Christian Godskesen.
Computer Science as a national priority
DIREC originated from the research and innovation policy strategy of 2017, which recommended establishing a "National Center for Research in Digital Technologies across the research institutions in Denmark in order to develop and support the digital field through research in e.g. artificial intelligence, Big Data, Internet-of-Things and IT security on the basis of the FORSK2025 theme on "Denmark as a digital pioneer country."
Now, three years later, DIREC is a reality. The center will boost computer science education and research, and support the political vision of making Denmark a digital frontrunner through:
• targeting research and educational activities towards societal challenges and value creation for both business and the public sector.
• expanding research and education capacity in Denmark via the education and recruitment of excellent researchers at the highest international level.
• transforming research into digital solutions and long-term digital transformation, in cooperation with business and the public sector.
ITU as a part of DIREC
According to Jens Christian Godskesen, DIREC will have a huge impact on the IT University and other computer science research environments in Denmark, strengthening the promotion of IT education at the universities and organizations involved and facilitating joint educational activities across the country.
- The center will support increased collaboration across computer science research environments in Denmark, complementing each other's different expertise. Finally, the center will facilitate increased collaboration with Danish private and public companies, since it will become a national showcase for the latest knowledge within the field of computer science, says Jens Christian Godskesen.
Jari Kickbusch, phone 7218 5304, email jark@itu.dk