University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is a leading European university known for its diverse academic environment and research excellence. It brings a spirit of intellectual engagement to its work with the Alliance.
About IARU > IARU Member Universities > University of Copenhagen
University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is a leading European university known for its diverse academic environment and research excellence. It brings a spirit of intellectual engagement to its work with the Alliance.
Founded on excellence, focused on the future
Founded in 1479, University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is a leading European university that is distinguished for its diversity in academic environment and scientific approaches.
With its specialized focus on sustainability issues, UCPH is a keen participant in IARU initiatives pertaining to aging, longevity and health and climate changes. It has also led and organized a successful IARU Climate Change Congress in conjunction with COP-15 and organizes the Sustainability Congress 2014 which further underscores its commitment to be a leading international climate university.
Given its encouragement of diversity and excellence in research, UCPH brings a spirit of intellectual engagement in its interaction with the Alliance.
Prof David Dreyer Lassen
Professor David Dreyer Lassen, professor of economics, is a leading researcher in social data science and political economy. As rector, he aims to strengthen the University of Copenhagen’s global research, education, and societal impact.
David Dreyer Lassen has been rector of the University of Copenhagen since March 2025, previously serving as prorector for research. He co-founded and led the Center for Social Data Science (SODAS) and has chaired major research councils and boards, including Statistics Denmark’s.
His research centers on social data science and political economy, focusing on predicting social and economic outcomes using data. He has taught for over 25 years and helped start KU’s master’s in social data science. Lassen has secured significant research funding from European and Danish bodies.
As rector, he aims to strengthen KU’s international research, education, and societal impact, following the 2030 strategy and fostering broad collaborations.
He holds a master’s (1998), Ph.D. (2002), and is a professor of economics at KU.
Jette Nielsen
Head of Policy and Fora,
Rector’s Office
Mrs. Nielsen has 16 years of experience in education, research, and innovation at the Danish Ministry of Science and Higher Education. She served as deputy head of a political office driving major education reforms in Denmark and has extensive international experience working with EU research and education policies. Since October 2021, she has been Head of Policy and Fora in the University of Copenhagen’s Rector’s office, overseeing external relations, strategy, and advisory services. She holds an MSc in Political Science.
Tobi Egelund
Office of the Rector
Tobi’s role involves coordinating institutional collaborations, supporting the university’s internationalisation agenda, and managing links to global research initiatives such as Horizon Europe.
UCPH’s involvement in IARU encompasses a broad spectrum of collaborative initiatives, including the:
IARU promotes collaboration through various working groups and joint initiatives
Key IARU roles
President
Prof David Dreyer Lassen
IARU Senior Officer
Jette Nielsen
jettenie@adm.ku.dk
IARU Key Contact
Tobi Egelund
spt571@adm.ku.dk