25 years with soil nutrients

Despite being only 48 years old, Jørgen Eriksen, JORNÆR, has many years of research experience under his belt and can already celebrate his 25th anniversary at the same workplace. The anniversary will be celebrated with an informal reception on Monday, 1 February at 9:30 am in the coffee corner in JORNÆR (Pv24 in Foulum).

Jørgen Eriksen is the model of modesty, so perhaps it can be easy to overlook how many things can actually be written on his business card.  On his website he describes his research area in an exemplary clear and concise fashion: plant nutrition in relation to agriculture and the environment with a focus on maximizing nutrient utilization and minimising nutrient loss.  

However, the short description comprises a broad area, an extensive production and a range of hats. Jørgen Eriksen is thus a doctor, professor, section head, researcher and advisor. Over the years he has produced 306 publications in addition to which he has contributed to delivering a long series of answers, memos and reports to the authorities.

It all began with a cand. agro. degree from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University in Copenhagen in 1991 followed by a PhD in plant nutrition from the same school in 1994. The PhD studies took place at the then Danish Institute of Plant and Soil Science (SP) in Sorgenfri and six months in Australia. SP later on moved to Foulum and along the way became what we know today as the Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University.

One year took the next

Jørgen has followed along the whole way even though his original idea was not actually to become a scientist.

- I thought I would like to be a crop advisor. It was by chance that I became a researcher, he says. Neither was it a conscious goal to become section head, but when the opportunity arose Jørgen said yes.

Staying at the same workplace for 25 years was not in the stars either.  

- When I was young I thought, ”25 year anniversary! That sure sounds like a long time and will not happen to me.” Now I feel that 25 years is no time at all, says Jørgen Eriksen.

Times flies when you are enjoying yourself, as they say, and this has been the case for Jørgen.

- I like going to work every morning. It is nice to see that there is continuity in what one does. It is also fantastic to see that one’s results are put to use in the outside world and it is a good feeling that our work is in demand. For me a great motivation lies in the aspect that our science is applicable, says Jørgen.

Team spirit and a pioneering feeling

Team spirit and the collective effort also mean a lot to the jubilee scientist.

- We pull together, celebrate our victories together and have team spirit. In the past year we have been under rather a lot of pressure in connection with policy support tasks but we pulled through because we pulled together. We also find satisfaction in seeing that our efforts make a difference.  

The pioneering spirit also provides Jørgen Eriksen with mental fuel.

- When we moved from Sorgenfri to Foulum in 1992 there was a pioneering spirit. There was the same feeling when we became part of Aarhus University. Now, with the total makeover of the laboratories with the aid of Unilab funds, we once again feel a breath of fresh air. New projects also give use a pioneering feeling because new constellations and new angles on topics come into being, Jørgen says and continues:

- It was a significant change for the section when we became part of Aarhus University. It was really good by just about all measures. We now have significantly more PhD students and more dynamism but have still maintained our sector research virtues. This means that we are close to applied agriculture, have good relations with the industry, carry out policy support and have a high level of productivity.

Jørgen Eriksen is a doctor in sulphur cycling in agroecosystems (read the articles about his doctoral thesis in 2010 here and here) and professor in nutrient cycling in agroecosystems (read the article about his appointment as professor in 2013 here.)

Read more about Jørgen’s reception here.