by Aarhus University
Denmark is one of the most digitalised societies in the world. This is both a strength and a vulnerability. According to the Danish Defence Intelligence Service, the threat of espionage, cyberattacks and cybercrime is high, which means that companies, public authorities and individual citizens are increasingly dependent on having robust digital systems.
Cyber research centre to open in 2026
To strengthen Denmark’s digital resilience, Aarhus University has committed DKK 300 million to fund a three-pronged initiative to make the university a hub for research, innovation and education within the field of cybersecurity, as part of AU’s Strategy 2030.
At the core of the initiative is the establishment of a new research centre, AU Cyber, which will be launched in 2026.
"As our daily lives, our businesses and our democratic institutions become more digital, cybersecurity will play an increasingly fundamental role in how we tackle future threats. Denmark needs a national research hub to investigate the most advanced cybersecurity challenges and train some of the most skilled cyber specialists in the world. Aarhus University is ready to take on that responsibility," says Brian Bech Nielsen, rector of Aarhus University.
The investment builds on many years of expansion of the university’s digital research capacity, including in cryptography and software security, where Aarhus University is consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Close collaboration with AU’s innovation partners in Aarhus
AU Cyber will collaborate closely with the university’s partners working within IT and innovation in Aarhus. This includes the Alexandra Institute, Incuba and the national knowledge centre Security Tech Space, which is already working to make Denmark more resilient to cyberthreats. In the words of Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, deputy director of the Danish Chamber of Commerce and chair of the Security Tech Space board:
"Aarhus University’s vision is both ambitious and necessary, because it will create tangible value for both industry and society, where there is an urgent need for cybersecurity specialists. With an investment of over DKK 300 million, Aarhus University will become a powerhouse for cybersecurity, where new solutions and business models will be developed in close collaboration with the companies that will benefit from them. I’m convinced that, with this investment, Aarhus University is creating an innovation ecosystem that will give Danish companies a real head start - both at home and abroad."
Cyber specialists to support defence and public authorities - working closely with industry
Aarhus University is already a digital frontrunner and prioritises cybersecurity as an area of education. As part of this new initiative, Aarhus University will develop even more programmes and courses within cybersecurity in 2026. These programmes will include IT subjects but also important related subjects, such as law, ethics and user behaviour.
Cyber specialists will be trained in collaboration with key players in the Danish defence and security industry. Aarhus University expects these cyber specialists to play a key role in bolstering cybersecurity in the Danish Armed Forces, public authorities and private companies, helping to improve digital security for everyone in Denmark.
Facts about Aarhus University’s commitment to cybersecurity
Aarhus University is investing a total of DKK 300 million to boost Denmark’s capacity within the field of cybersecurity. The initiative covers three main areas: research, education and innovation.
In 2026, Aarhus University will launch AU Cyber - Centre for Cybersecurity, which will significantly increase the number of researchers within the field and bring together some of the university’s leading research teams. The centre will also attract top international researchers as well as promising early-career researchers. AU is already a strong player in the field; for example, the university’s cryptography and software security research programme is among the top three in the world.
- Education
Around 300 students a year currently graduate from Aarhus University with competencies in the field of cybersecurity. Going forward, AU plans to develop new programmes and courses within the field, and, from 2028, the university will train at least 40 cybersecurity specialists in collaboration with partners from the Danish defence and security industry. These specialists will be able to directly support the Danish Armed Forces, public authorities and private companies.
- Innovation
AU will establish a cybersecurity innovation hub that will bring together students and researchers with the ambition of translating research-based knowledge into tangible solutions for both civilian and military applications. The hub will support the creation of startups within cybersecurity and facilitate collaboration with established companies.
Aarhus University
Nordre Ringgade 18000 Aarhus
CVR no: 31119103
EORI no: DK-31119103
