13 years as Head of Section for JORD
On 1 January, after 13 years as Head of Section for JORD (Soil Physics and Hydropedology), I will hand over the baton. I have greatly enjoyed serving as section leader, following the section’s remarkable development over the years, and working with so many wonderful, skilled, and dedicated colleagues.
Our JORD section has a strong academic profile, combining soil parameter measurements, modelling, and mapping. This broad approach has made the section a leader in Denmark and internationally. It has been exciting to see how collaboration across different scientific disciplines has strengthened both research and practical applications – particularly in relation to policy support.
Over this period, we have become increasingly integrated into Aarhus University, marking a clear shift that has had great significance. We are now a fully embedded part of a larger research and educational environment, which has opened up new opportunities – especially within teaching and supervision of PhD students. It has been a great privilege to work with young researchers and to see how our knowledge and experience now play a central role in training the next generation of scientists.
Throughout the years, we have managed to maintain a strong technical staff. They constitute an indispensable part of the section’s foundation, and their expertise has been crucial in establishing major new datasets used in both research and teaching.
In my role, I have especially valued the personal connections that come with the job. The close collaboration, the many conversations, and the daily dialogue with colleagues have been some of the most rewarding aspects of being section leader.
The section is today well prepared for the future. I am confident that JORD will continue to play an important role in advancing soil health, sustainable land management, and our understanding of the role of soil in ecosystems.
I now look forward to returning to more scientific tasks – and hopefully fewer meetings 😊 – and to contributing in new ways.
Thank you all for the collaboration, the trust, and the many good years.