On the Dean’s Desk: More research networks – and a clearer shared direction
Health’s three new research networks are part of a larger strategic initiative. We are joining forces in areas undergoing rapid development and using both the new and existing networks more actively to strengthen the faculty’s position.
Why are we establishing three new research networks right now?
The short answer is that we are at a point where collaboration is no longer a supplement to research – it is a prerequisite for successfully lifting the faculty to the next level together.
In 2019, we established the first cross-cutting research networks at Health. The Translational Cancer Network followed shortly thereafter.
In 2026, we are expanding with three new networks: the Health-AI Network, the HealthTech Network, and the Women’s Health Network.
It is no coincidence that we are focusing on these particular areas.
Artificial intelligence is developing at an explosive pace and transforming the way we work with health data. Health technology requires closer interaction between health sciences and engineering than we have traditionally had. And women’s health ranks high on both the political and research agendas. In this case, the initiative even came from the ground up, with an approach from more than 50 engaged researchers.
At the same time, we want to use the networks more actively in the faculty’s strategic work.
Thefore, the faculty management has allocated strategic funds to three networks – Food and Nutrition, Women’s Health, and HealthTech – to strengthen our positions in these areas and create new opportunities for researchers here at Health.
The existing networks also demonstrate how the potential for collaboration extends far beyond research alone. For example, three new PhD programmes have been launched within cardiovascular research, inflammation and neuroscience. These PhD programmes originated in the research networks and are now anchored at the Graduate School of Health.
Everyone is busy – yet it is encouraging to see how the networks are becoming an increasingly integrated part of the faculty’s work and ambitions.
To ensure progress and coherence, we are hiring an additional network coordinator in Health’s faculty secretariat. The task will be to support the individual networks and the strategic initiatives we set in motion together.
Through our research networks, we aim to create stronger communities and more targeted development. It is an investment in the way we collaborate – and in the future of health science.