While we have bid farewell to experienced group leaders and welcomed new talents, we have simultaneously upheld and reinforced the scientific direction that has been at the core of DANDRITE since its inauguration: to generate deep insights into brain function – from molecular mechanisms to complex circuits – and to translate basic scientific discoveries into knowledge that can make a difference for people living with brain disorders.
This commitment has been strongly validated in 2024, as several of our researchers – both early-career and established – have been awarded prestigious grants and recognition. These include major national and international funding successes that not only support individual projects but also underscore the strength and relevance of DANDRITE’s research focus.
In addition, a number of high-impact publications have brought new attention to our work. From advancing our understanding of synaptic function to uncovering mechanisms of neuroimmune communication, DANDRITE researchers have contributed significantly to global neuroscience literature.
With world-class research, targeted talent development, and strong international partnerships, DANDRITE continues to stand as a central contributor to Danish neuroscience.
Leadership transitions
In 2024, our three established group leaders – Duda Kvitsiani, Sadegh Nabavi, and Mark Denham – concluded their nine-year terms and have now taken the next step in their careers. Sadegh and Mark remain in Denmark, while Duda has accepted a new opportunity in the United States. Their scientific and collegial contributions to DANDRITE have been considerable, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.
At the same time, we welcomed Anna Mathia Klawonn as a new group leader in January 2024. She brings a strong international research profile focused on immune-to-brain signalling mechanisms that regulate affective states. We also look forward to further strengthening our research profile with the appointment of Fiona Müllner as our fifth group leader, following a thorough international recruitment process. Fiona joins us from a postdoctoral position at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology (IOB) in Basel that she completed with a paper in Neuron focusing on how subneuronal processes of inhibitory neurons affects visual features. With this strong basis, she will study how neural circuits in the brain shape visual perception. With her arrival in August, our group leader team is now complete.
SAB Report: A key milestone
At our annual meeting, DANDRITE’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) provided its biennial evaluation of our progress, affirming that we are on track both strategically and in fostering an attractive environment for scientific talent. The SAB commended the ambitious research programs of the new group leaders, noting that DANDRITE’s long-term funding model is well-suited to support their high-risk, innovative projects.
The SAB also praised the junior researchers, who stood out as a driving force, highlighting the exceptional quality of their presentations, their active engagement in scientific discussions, and the overall excellence demonstrated during the retreat. This is a well-deserved acknowledgement that underlines the strength of our focused efforts in talent development, which remains a core priority for DANDRITE.
Evolving our partnerships
Our local and international collaborations have also developed further throughout 2024. In the final quarter of the year, we initiated a revitalisation of our Affiliated Researcher programme with research leaders from Aarhus University. The aim is to strengthen the neuroscience environment surrounding DANDRITE, while creating more robust translational connections and access to key strategic infrastructures.
One of the highlights of the year within our Nordic EMBL Partnership was the launch of the NORPOD programme – a new Nordic postdoctoral initiative supporting interdisciplinary projects across national borders. We were among the first institutions to welcome a NORPOD fellow, Amanda Muñoz Juan, whose research journey we look forward to following closely.
A community committed to inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion remained a prominent focus in 2024. We signed the ALBA Declaration on Equity and Inclusion and hosted a panel discussion on women’s career development within both clinical and basic neuroscience – two important steps towards a more balanced and inclusive research environment.
Our Support Team plays a key role in strengthening cohesion, collaboration and integration across research groups and partners. A concrete result of this effort in 2024 was the establishment of the Newcomer’s Club – an onboarding initiative designed to help newly hired researchers find their footing at DANDRITE, at the university, and in the city of Aarhus.
Entering 2025 with renewed focus
As we close 2024, DANDRITE enters 2025 with renewed strength and focus. In the coming months, our group leaders from the Department of Biomedicine will move into new facilities in the Skou Building, enhancing their daily interaction with the biomedical neuroscience community. At the same time, we are expanding our neuroscience presence at MBG, where Fiona Müllner will be located. These initiatives not only promote better collaboration but also contribute to advancing neuroscience at Aarhus University.
I hope you will take the opportunity to explore the events, research developments, new initiatives, and personal stories that together illustrate the vibrant and dynamic year that was DANDRITE’s 2024.
