New 300 million research center to be established in Aarhus: Denmark must be more resilient to cyber threats

Denmark’s digital infrastructure must be significantly better equipped against future cyber threats. Therefore, Aarhus University will invest DKK 300 million in research, education and innovation in cybersecurity and establish a new research center, AU Cyber, which will be launched in 2026.

The decision was made by the university’s board as part of Strategy 2030 and aims to make Aarhus University a national and international hub for cyber security at a time when the threat of cyber attacks, espionage and organized cybercrime is increasing.

Denmark is one of the most digitized countries in the world, which is both a strength and a vulnerability. According to the Danish Defense Intelligence Service, the threat level is high and the dependence on robust digital systems is growing across businesses, authorities and critical functions of society.

“As our everyday lives, our businesses and our democratic institutions become increasingly digital, cybersecurity will become a cornerstone in dealing with the threats of the future. Denmark needs an academic hub that can research the most advanced threats and educate some of the best cyber specialists in the world. Aarhus University is ready to take on this responsibility,” says Brian Bech Nielsen, Rector of Aarhus University, in a press release.

The investment builds on several years of targeted expansion of the university’s digital research capacity, including within cryptography and software security, where Aarhus University is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Close links to business and innovation environment

AU Cyber will be developed in close collaboration with the Aarhus IT and innovation environment. This includes the Alexandra Institute, Incuba and the national knowledge center Security Tech Space at Katrinebjerg, which works to strengthen Denmark’s defence against cyber threats.

Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, Deputy Director of the Danish Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Security Tech Space, points to the strategic importance of the initiative:

“Aarhus University’s plan is both ambitious and necessary because it creates concrete value for both business and society, which has a high demand for cyber specialists. With the investment of more than DKK 300 million, Aarhus will become a hub for cybersecurity, where new solutions and business models will be developed in close collaboration with companies. I am convinced that with this new initiative, Aarhus University will create an innovation environment that gives Danish companies a real head start – both in Denmark and internationally.”

As part of the initiative, Aarhus University will expand the range of subjects and courses in cybersecurity from 2026. The programs will combine technical IT skills with other key disciplines such as law, ethics and user behavior.

The cyber specialists are trained in collaboration with key players from the Danish defense and security industry. The expectation is that the graduates will contribute directly to strengthening the Danish Armed Forces, public authorities and private companies, thereby increasing digital security for the entire society.