We often hear the phrase, “It’s in our DNA,” but what does that really mean? How does the information stored in our genes get read and used by our cells? Interestingly, cells do not use all of the information in their DNA at once. Different types of cells use different parts of their DNA, and some genes are only activated at certain times, such as during development or in response to stress or environmental changes. This process of reading and using genetic information is called transcription, and it must be carefully regulated and highly accurate. But how does this regulation happen? And what are the consequences if something goes wrong? Transcription takes place while many other important activities are happening in the cell, such as DNA replication or repair when the DNA is damaged. Because of this, cells have developed complex systems to manage this “gene traffic” and ensure that transcription happens smoothly and correctly. This talk will introduce the basic concepts of DNA and transcription, with a special focus on what happens when DNA is damaged—for example, by exposure to sunlight—and how cells deal with such challenges.About the speaker:Jesper Svejstrup is a Biochemist and Cell Biologist, renowned for his research on gene expression, particularly transcription and its interplay with DNA replication and repair. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 1993 at Aarhus University, focusing on DNA topology, before undertaking postdoctoral work with Professor Roger Kornberg at Stanford University. There, Svejstrup uncovered a direct link between the protein complexes responsible for DNA transcription and repair, a discovery that has shaped his research trajectory. He established his independent research group at Cancer Research UK’s Clare Hall Laboratories in 1996 and, in 2015, joined the Francis Crick Institute, holding honorary professorships at UCL, Imperial College London, and Aarhus University. Since 2020, Svejstrup has served as professor and deputy chairman at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, where he directs the Center for Gene Expression, employing multidisciplinary and ‘omics’ approaches. His achievements have been recognized by election to EMBO, the Royal Society, the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters, and the UK’s Academy of Medical Sciences. He has received two ERC Advanced Investigator Grants and the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prize, and until recently served as vice-president for Life Sciences at the European Research Council (ERC).

Read more: https://fb.me/e/36EUW1aDK

With Einstein's theory of general relativity as our onset, we will in this talk explore the two most dramatic chapters in cosmic history: the birth of the Universe and its possible ultimate fate. We will look at what modern cosmology reveals about the earliest moments after the Big Bang, and discuss the leading scenarios for how the Universe may evolve in the far future.Come joins us with your peers for an interesting talk from Sofie Marie Koksbang, Associate Professor of Cosmology at CP3 Origins. She was recieved the Research Communication Award, because she time and time again draws the cosmos close to her audience and turns the vast universe into fascinating stories.The event is held at the IMADA Forskertorv.You can read more in the Facebook group IMADA-students.

Maiken Westen Holm Svendsen defends her PhD thesis at a public lecture: “Mod en mere sammenhængende evalueringskultur i matematikfaget på HTX – STEM-forløb mellem læring, kompetence og viden”.The chairman of the assessment committee, Associate Professor Gitte Miller Balslev, will act as chairman at the defence.The PhD defence takes place in IMADA Conference Room (Ø18-509-2).All are welcome.

Har du styr på den gode ansøgning og det gode CV?

Empirical evidence from scientific research is considered the most reliable source of factual information in western societies. However, our worldview and ideology can influence scientific research and its outcomes. And vice versa, the results from scientific research also influence our worldview. So how sharply can and should we strive to distinguish science and worldview? Can worldviews be completely fact free, and can science be completely factual and neutral? Probably not. I will discuss three historical and current examples from biology where science and “nonscience” meet:[list=1][*]Social Darwinism and biological evolution[*]Religious belief and biological evolution, and[*]Gender and biological sexes.[/list]Although it is usually thought that “non-science” can hinder scientific progress, I will show that sometimes the opposite has been true. For this and other reasons, I will argue that universities should have space for nonscience next to science in order to remain sanctuaries for academic freedom. However, I will also argue that we should be as clear as possible on what is science and what’s not, and on the motivations for scientists to do scientific research. This will reduce the risk of naturalistic and ideological fallacies. Duur Aanen is a professor of evolution and genetics and studies and teaches fundamental questions and concepts, such as the evolution of cooperation, the evolution of sex and cultural evolution. In his research he uses fungi as model systems of conflict and cooperation, both in interactions within and between species. His team published key studies on the evolution of the mutualistic symbiosis of fungus-growing termites and on the evolutionary stability of multicellular cooperation in fungi. In 2018, he organised a Lorentz center workshop with biologists and theologians on the acceptance of evolutionary theory, resulting in the Leiden Declaration on Evolution and Religion. Professor Aanen collaborates with social scientists, on the topic of science and world view, and on the role of science in society.

Charles Darwin’s theory profoundly challenged the prevailing worldview of his time. Most notably, it called into question the biblical account of human creation and redefined humanity’s relation to other species and to creation as a whole.Resistance to evolutionary theory on theological grounds has persisted to this day. In the United States, for example, nearly 40% of the population continues to reject the theory outright, particularly within evangelical communities. This resistance has at times led to efforts to influence educational curricula and scientific research in ways that align more closely with religious convictions. At the same time, constructive efforts have been made to reconcile evolutionary theory with systems of faith. In the context of emerging AI, also new ideas are being formulated about how evolution could develop independently of genetics.In our workshop, “Evolutionary Theory as an Existential Challenge for Humankind,” we will explore both the historical development and contemporary dynamics of the relationship between religion and science, using evolutionary theory as a central case study. We will also reflect on the broader existential questions raised by Darwin’s work.Agenda15:00 Welcome15:05 Prof. Norbert Krüger (SDU): The development of modern science and its exclusion of mankind’s existential questions15:30 Prof. Duur Aanen (Wageningen University, Netherlands): The two sides of Methodological Naturalism – no scientific inferences based on metaphysics but neither metaphysical inferences based on science15:55 Anders Stjernholm (Ateistik Selskab): Separating life and religion: Dealing with scientific and existential questions without the concept of a God16:20 Hans Henrik Hjermitslev (UC-SYD): Protestant responses to Darwinism from the 1860s to modern-day creationism16:45 Stefan Lumholdt Pedersen (Kristeligt Forbund for Studerende, KFS): The ideas and beliefs that matter the most - how do we learn to talk about them16:50 Discussion17:15 End

Want to know what is going on behind the scenes at IMADA?Come and join us for 2 x 20 min. inspiring talks while you enjoy a free “casual after-work” beer with your fellow student, colleague or teacher.This time Associate Professor Emanuela Marchetti (Topic: Reviving the Renaissance  - Reconnecting computational and natural sciences to art and design, as experimental room) and Associate Professor Matthias Oliver Wilhelm (Topic: Machine Learning for Analytic Calculations in Theoretical Physics) will each spend 20 minutes each telling you about their current research.

The Cake Club is a new and cozy initiative that meets four times each semester with free coffee, cake, and great company.So whether you study AI, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Mathematics-Economics, you are invited.Remember to bring your fellow students (lecturers are also welcome).The club meetings are held at the IMADA Forskertorv.You can read more in the Facebook group IMADA-students.

Do you want to engage in a collaboration with a company?

Kickstart your next chapter! Take the next step toward your career in Denmark. This workshop is designed specifically for Science students and gives you insight into what to expect and how to position yourself strongly when starting your job search.

Kickstart your next chapter! Take the next step toward your career in Denmark. This workshop is designed specifically for Science students and gives you insight into what to expect and how to position yourself strongly when starting your job search.

En vild onsdags-tværfaglig undersøgelse af (u)normalitet i det moderne DanmarkNormalitet og normalisering er en bærende norm i vores samfund. Normalt er ofte lig med trygt – og det ”onde tvilling” unormalt ses ofte som truende og farligt. Normalisering er en proces, som handler om at passe ind. Ikke nødvendigvis sådan at alt og alle skal være helt ens. Det er en ukonstruktiv stråmand i diskussionen. Normalisering handler i højere grad om rammerne for, hvor meget forskellighed vores samfund kan rumme. Det gælder såvel kroppen som kroppens opførsel. På den ene side, er vi nødt til at have nogen rammer. Et samfund er et sted, hvor jungleloven ikke hersker. På den anden side er det langt fra uskyldigt at sætte rammer: Hvor stramme skal rammerne være, og hvilke fordomme får vi med i købet? Hvilken unormalitet kan vi rumme? Må vi indse, at den normale krop ikke er den raske krop, men den syge krop? Det er svære spørgsmål – og ofte dilemmafyldte og fyldt med uligheder.Vi U(Normaliteten) op til en fælles undersøgelse, udfordring og debat på tværs af kunst og videnskab. Vi har samlet en fantastik spædende flok af deltagere. Kom og vær med.Klik her for at se programmet

Kan man bruge LinkedIn som studerende?

Are you interested in learning how to get ready for your first job after graduating?

Are you curious about what Danish employers are looking for in your application? Do you want insight on how to target your CV and cover letter?

There is an increasing demand for critical metals and rare earth elements for production of electronics, technological advancements and the green transition. This has intensified international competition for known terrestrial resources and renewed interest inmining mineral resources on the deep seabed, including polymetallic nodules, seafloor massive sulfides and cobal-rich crusts. However, potential exploitation of these resources raises complex environmental, legal and geopolitical questions.This session will feature three presentations addressing the geological and biological context of deep-sea mineral resources, current scientific understanding of environmental impacts, and the legal and governance challenges associated with potential mining activities. The three 15 min presentations will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with the audience.   Karl Attard, University of Southern Denmark, DIAS, DK - The perspectives of deep-sea mining Bryan O’Malley, Eckerd College, Florida, USA (online) - Deep-Sea Mining Impacts and Recovery: Immediate, Annual, and Decadal Responses of Benthic Ecosystems Ole Larsen, Danish Hydraulic Institute, DK - Environmental impact assessment and governance challenges in deep-sea mining  Q&A and discussion facilitated by Ronnie (15-20 min)

Er du i gang med at skrive speciale? Går du også og tænker over dit fremtidige job? Er du nysgerrig på, hvordan dit speciale kan indgå i din jobsøgning?

The Cake Club is a new and cozy initiative that meets four times each semester with free coffee, cake, and great company.So whether you study AI, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Mathematics-Economics, you are invited.Remember to bring your fellow students (lecturers are also welcome).The club meetings are held at the IMADA Forskertorv.You can read more in the Facebook group IMADA-students.

What if communication were not just something humans do, but a process through which all kinds of beings—molecules, machines, institutions, emotions, organisms, laws, and people—come to express themselves and make a difference? Drawing on my forthcoming book, “Thinking the World Communicatively: An Exploration of the More or Less,” this talk introduces a way of approaching reality that transcends the traditional boundaries between the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities. I propose that to think communicatively is to examine how relations allow phenomena to manifest themselves more or less in the world.Communication, in this broad sense, encompasses electromagnetic radiation warming our skin, neurons firing, procedures shaping institutional conduct, technologies guiding attention, and people coordinating with one another. Instead of reducing the world to discourse or matter, this communicative ontology highlights how beings both act and “pass through” others. It offers scientists, scholars, and students an anti-reductionist framework for understanding truth, objectivity, materiality, agency, and power across domains, from social interaction to quantum mechanics.BiographyFrançois Cooren (PhD, Université de Montréal, 1996) is a Professor in the Department of Communication at Université de Montréal, Canada. His research focuses on organizational communication, language and social interaction, as well as communication theory. He is the Past President of the International Communication Association (ICA, 2010–2011), the Past President of the International Association for Dialogue Analysis (IADA, 2012–2021), and former Editor-in-Chief of the journal Communication Theory (2005–2008). He was elected ICA Fellow in 2013, NCA (National Communication Association) Distinguished Scholar in 2017, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2024. He published 16 books (four as an author or co-author and twelve as an editor or co-editor) and authored close to 100 peer-reviewed articles and more than 60 book chapters. He is one of the founding members of what is now known as the Montreal School of Organizational Communication, a primary branch of the Communication as Constitutive of Organization (CCO) approach.