AGRO management in focus
In the old days, management at the university was subject to strong hierarchies linked to professors with their own groups. At AGRO we have a different history based on government research.
However, I also remember what it was like when I started at the Danish Research Service for Plant and Soil Science more than 40 years ago. At that time the superintendents of the experimental stations were the sole rulers. This is no longer the case, but we still have a management hierarchy – with rector at the top.
In AGRO, management takes many different forms, including with heads of sections and project managers, but there are also many other types of management among both scientific and technical staff. It is my impression that it works very well, especially because we recognise the importance of cooperation and of a good working environment.
Cooperation strengthens us both as a department and as individuals, but it requires trust between people, and this is something that must be actively supported in terms of management. Actually, it is simple – together we are far bigger and stronger than the sum of us as individuals. This is a task that management has to support.
AGRO is growing, and we are also changing in line with society’s expectations of us. It is a natural and good process in which we must participate actively. I am proud of the commitment that all employees put into developing us as a leading research department within green transition in agriculture. I know that this draws heavily on many employees. But it is important – and meaningful. We contribute to a better world.
In order for us to function well, we also need good management and good leadership. That is my main focus, and I am extremely pleased with the management team in AGRO. It works well, and we are also trying to develop. Development also requires changes, and this autumn we are looking into some major changes in the management team. This is done with the full acceptance of the members of the management team.
As of 1 September, we will have a new head of the secretariat: Ida Thoft Jensen, who has graduated as a Master of Political Science from AU and has a master’s degree in public management. She comes from a position as strategic advisor at SEGES Innovation. Birgit Langvad will continue in the secretariat on developing our administrative systems so that they support us all even better in the future.
As of 1 September, Mette Vestergård Madsen will take over the management of PATENT from Mogens Nicolaisen. We owe Mogens a big thank you for his substantial efforts, not only in the section but also in LAMU and other contexts. He has done a lot of work but also deserves time to do what he is passionate about – research. Mette takes over, and I find that she has full support in the section. I look forward to our working together.
As of 1 October, Marie Trydeman Knudsen will take over as head of SYSTEM from Tommy Dalgaard. This will give Tommy more time to handle the many networking and project activities in which he is involved. He needs this, and it will also support the department in the future. Marie is our new professor in LCA, and now she has also been given the role as head of section. I have spoken with the employees at SYSTEM and find that there is full support for Marie. I look forward to our working together in the management team.
Management does not work in a vacuum. It is important that you as employees support your managers. The best way to do this is to be honest and informative with management. Don’t be afraid to go to your superior with your problems – even the difficult ones. If courage fails you in relation to your immediate superior, my door is always open, but you probably need to book an appointment in my calendar.