At DANDRITE, we believe that a strong community supports good science.
We work to create an environment where everyone — regardless of department affiliation or position — feels part of the wider DANDRITE community. Activities such as our Science & Art Exhibition and the Step Into Spring Week reflect our aim to bring staff and students together through shared experiences beyond scientific work itself.
We also use our events to engage both internally and externally. Through symposia, seminars, outreach activities, and public talks, we seek to spark conversations that extend beyond the lab. In 2025, we hosted a total of 25 events, strengthening our community, outreach efforts, and collaborations.
In 2025, DANDRITE launched the science and art exhibition Art on the Brain, with an opening reception at AIAS.
The idea for the exhibition grew out of the many images our researchers have submitted over the years to the Nordic EMBL Partnership art competition, where DANDRITE has won the award for best image several times. Over time, this resulted in a rich - but largely hidden - collection of artworks, ranging from hand-drawn pieces and acrylic or watercolor paintings to microscopy images.
To give these works a second life, we created large-format prints and developed a travelling exhibition. Since its launch, the exhibition has toured several venues, including Aarhus City Hall, public libraries in Aarhus, and other locations. In 2026, the exhibition was expanded through funding from Forskningens Døgn and will continue its journey through Aarhus, including a stay at the local cultural centre Dokk1.
Each artwork is accompanied by a short explanation of the underlying research, making the exhibition a meaningful way to communicate neuroscience to a broader audience. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the researchers behind the work, showcasing both their creativity and scientific contributions while helping to place DANDRITE on the map as a centre for neuroscience in Aarhus.
(Photo: Kim Frost, AU Foto)
In 2025, DANDRITE introduced a new community initiative, Step into Spring, designed to support wellbeing and strengthen connections across groups and departments.
The support team organised a series of activities, including a step challenge, outdoor training sessions, and a mindful walk, while YoDA hosted a concluding spring party. The aim was to bring staff and students together through shared experiences under the theme “Spring is coming” and to foster a sense of community that extends beyond daily scientific work.
As its first edition, Step into Spring helped create a positive atmosphere and laid the foundation for a new annual tradition at DANDRITE.
DANDRITE hosts 4 distinguished lectures every year. In 2025 we welcomed the following:
