Newly renovated rooms in Flakkebjerg almost ready for use

The UNILAB renovations in Flakkebjerg are almost done! It has been a long process, many meetings have been held, and many things have needed to be coordinated, but it looks like the result has been worth the wait.   

The renovations have been more extensive for some research groups than others; especially for the research group Natural product chemistry and environmental chemistry, that on top of it all had to work in temporary laboratories and at the same time use makeshift offices in the glass arcade and other places. It must have been strenuous – but I have the impression that despite it all the process has been relatively painless. 

The laboratories look really nice and, as one person mentioned, they look as sterile as hospital corridors, but before long we will be able to see that there is life in the labs. 

Better work environment

The work environment should also be better now, including improved exhaust in the fume hoods. Many of the fume hoods are now height-adjustable in order to ease work and minimise the risk of work injuries. I am therefore sure that everyone is looking forward to using the attractive labs where it must be a pleasure to work! 

I am particularly pleased with the teaching laboratory that has room for 24 students. In Flakkebjerg we have really missed being able to gather students in a teaching laboratory. I am convinced that this will improve our teaching here and maybe even pave the way for more laboratory courses. 

Record number of students

There are currently 20 students signed up for our summer course ’Diagnosis of Plant Diseases’ in the beginning of July, which is a new record. The number of students has increased steadily since we set up the course. It would simply not be possible to offer the course without these new teaching facilities. Until now we have had to use our regular laboratories that only have room for 6-8 students each. 

In addition, the former library has been renovated so that now there is room for largish groups of students for lectures, PhD defenses, or medium large meetings. Furniture and decorations are still missing to make the room just as inviting as the old library was. 

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has participated in the countless meetings or otherwise helped to make the renovation as smooth as possible!