Presentation of the core tasks in the Secretariat

As Jørgen mentioned at previous Department meeting, we organized the Secretariat into four teams during the autumn of 2024. These teams support, serve, and advise the institute within the following areas: 

• People & Culture 

• Strategy & Communication 

• Management & Section Support 

• Projects & Funding 

People & Culture supports the department in recruitment processes, onboarding and offboarding, handling of leave and absences, planning career days, establishing a Mentor & Mentee pilot program, and hosting webinars on workplace culture and well-being. Additionally, the team oversees the operation of the canteen in Flakkebjerg. 

Strategy & Communication supports the department with communication efforts. The team focuses on project communication and external branding of the department , its researchers, and project results. Furthermore, internal workshops on research communication—including video, photography, and upcoming media training—are being developed. The team is also responsible for the development and maintenance of the intranet and external website, as well as managing both large and small-scale information processes. 

Management & Section Support assists with the daily administration of the department sections. The administrative coordinators play a key role in handling ongoing management within operational systems such as IndFak, mitHR, WorkZone, and ReAp. They also support section heads in preparing for section meetings and general communication within the section. Additionally, the team serves all department committees as well as the department Management. 

Projects & Funding provides support and advise to all researchers in the department. The team consists of five staff members, two of whom focus primarily on project management for projects that the department leadership has prioritized particularly relevant for project management  throughout their entire project period . Three staff members focus on the development and funding aspects of project work, mainly in the pre-award phase. The pre-award team assists with knowledge-sharing on national and international funding calls, proposal texts, and funder requirements. They also provide sparring on project ideas, partnership development, budget preparation, and compliance checks for applications. Internal workshops on project management and funding opportunities are regularly offered within the department. 

In the spring of 2025, the development of a new intranet will be launched. The new intranet will aim to increase visibility and clarity regarding the Secretariat and who to contact for various questions in the daily work.