The primary task of the coordinator for the new nanoscience cluster is to create a community for nanoscience researchers across faculties, disciplines, and academic backgrounds. The aim is to promote collaboration and make the nanoscience environment at AU more visible.

This role has been assigned to Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen from iNANO, and he certainly has home-field advantage.

He studied chemistry and molecular biology at Aarhus University, completed his thesis in molecular biology there in 2002, and was among the first PhD students at iNANO when the center was established over 20 years ago. Today, he conducts research in his own lab on RNA nanotechnology, which involves shaping and constructing RNA structures with high precision. This knowledge is used, among other things, in the development of new solutions in biotechnology and medicine.

Skills in dialogue and bridge-building

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Birgit Schiøtt, is pleased that Ebbe Sloth Andersen has accepted the role as cluster coordinator.

“Ebbe possesses deep expertise and is highly respected for his groundbreaking research. At the same time, he has a unique ability to bring colleagues together around research communities. He understands that knowledge-sharing is about finding common solutions—not about demonstrating academic superiority. Based on my knowledge of Ebbe’s ability to foster dialogue and build bridges between disciplines, and with support from the dean at Tech, I have great confidence that Ebbe will take on this task with both insight and generosity,” says Birgit Schiøtt.

Ebbe Sloth Andersen looks forward to leading the new nanoscience cluster. For him, networking and community are central elements of research.

“Interdisciplinarity is a form of lifelong learning. You’re constantly challenged and seek new collaborations and interactions across fields of knowledge. Looking back, breaking down disciplinary boundaries has been a driving force for me. These are the experiences I hope to pass on in the cluster collaboration,” says Ebbe Sloth Andersen, who already leads an interdisciplinary network for synthetic biology.

The cluster will be developed collectively

He is now planning a tour of research environments to gather input from colleagues on the cluster initiative.

“It’s important to me that the cluster doesn’t become a closed structure, but something we develop together. That’s why I want to meet researchers, listen to their perspectives, and ensure that everyone feels invited into the process,” says Ebbe Sloth Andersen, adding that there will also be a discussion about how the cluster should be defined and named.

Newest addition to the Cluster Family

The nanoscience cluster is the latest in a series of interdisciplinary clusters aimed at promoting collaboration on research into socially relevant topics. What characterizes these clusters is that researchers come from various backgrounds, as interest and expertise in the topics are what matter. Therefore, in addition to researchers from Natural Sciences, participants will also include researchers from Health and Tech, and all AU researchers are naturally welcome to join.

During spring 2026, a draft will be prepared outlining the cluster’s strategic purpose and academic foundation. This will coincide with the phasing out of iNANO as an institute-like center. The development of the cluster and the closure of iNANO will happen simultaneously to ensure the best framework for continuing interdisciplinary collaboration in nanoscience—even after iNANO ceases to exist.

The cluster is expected to be operational by early 2027.

Contact: 

Dean Birgit Schiøtt
dean.nat@au.dk

29 82 68 82
 

Professor Ebbe Sloth Andersen
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center
esa@inano.au.dk

41 17 86 19