"PhD defence: Katrine Storm Piper";"";"2026-06-01";"09:00";"2026-06-01";"12:00";" Indgang 7, Auditorium C, Rigshospitalet, Valdemar Hansens Vej 1-27, 2600 Glostrup";"Dizziness, balance impairments, and sarcopenia in older adults receiving chemotherapy - a geriatric oncology approach";"Dizziness, balance impairments, and sarcopenia in older adults receiving chemotherapy - a geriatric oncology approach Assessment Committee:Professor Morten Tange Kristensen (Chairperson)Dr Tahir MasudProfessor Cathie Sherrington Supervisors:Associate Professor Jan ChristensenClinical Research Associate Professor Cecilia Margareta LundLedende overlæge Hanne Elkjær Andersen, Overlæge Jakob Hagen Vasehus Schou, Clinical Professor Charlotte Suetta, Department: Department of Public Health Graduate Programme:Clinical Cancer Research Place:Indgang 7, Room: Auditorium C, Rigshospitalet, Valdemar Hansens Vej 1-27, 2600 Glostrup Ask for a copy of the thesis: katrine.piper@regionh.dk "
"PhD defence by Astrid Duus Mikkelsen";"";"2026-06-01";"15:00";"2026-06-01";"18:00";"Panum, Henrik Dam Aud., Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N";"Pulmonary Protection and Risk in Open Heart Surgery - Insights from the GLORIOUS randomized clinical trial";"Pulmonary Protection and Risk in Open Heart Surgery - Insights from the GLORIOUS randomized clinical trial Assessment Committee:Professor Jens Ulrik Stæhr Jensen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Peter Juhl-Olsen, Aarhus UniversityProfessor Thor Edvardsen, Institutt for klinisk medicin, Universitetet i Oslo Supervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Jesper KjærgaardClinical Associate Professor Sebastian Christoph WibergClinical Professor Christian Hassager, MD Peter Hasse Møller-Sørensen, MD Hans Henrik Lawaetz Schultz, Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Cardiovascular Research Place:Panum, Room: Henrik Dam Aud., Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Email address to gain access to the thesis: astrid.duus.mikkelsen@regionh.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy."
"PhD defence: Anne Majgaard Jensen";"";"2026-06-02";"13:00";"2026-06-02";"16:00";"Building 2-71, Room: A2-82.01, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1872 Frederiksberg";" Investigating Diet-Induced Changes in Gut Microbiomes of Parasites and Hosts";"Investigating Diet-Induced Changes in Gut Microbiomes of Parasites and Hosts Assessment Committee:Associate professor Anna-Sofie Stensgaard (Chairperson)Associate professor Martin Frederik LaursenDr Vaidas Palinauskas Supervisors:Professor Andrew Richard WilliamsAssociate Professor Louise von Gersdorff JørgensenAssociate Professor Morten Tønsberg Limborg, Department: Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Graduate Programme:Immunology and Infectious Diseases Place:Building 2-71, Room: A2-82.01, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1872 Frederiksberg Ask for a copy of the thesis: anne.majgaard@sund.ku.dk"
"PhD defence: Juan Camacho Roda";"";"2026-06-02";"13:00";"2026-06-02";"16:00";"Hybrid defence";"Deciphering the progression of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma";"Deciphering the progression of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Assessment Committee:Associate professor Lars Henning Milman Engelholm (Chairperson)Dr Naiara Santana CodinaDr Maria Del Pilar Acedo NunezSupervisors:Guest Researcher Luis Arnes PerezProfessor Stine Falsig PedersenDepartment: BRIC Graduate Programme:Molecular Mechanisms of DiseasePlace:The defence is conducted as a hybrid defence. To attend the digital defence, please follow the link: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/3259937981?pwd=JWpRVHDygK5Qa3ucHn0N2yl79ZkKea.1Meeting ID: 3259937981Password: Instructions if you wish to attend the defence via the digital solution: Please follow the link and hereafter the instructions to download the required Zoom-client. If the Zoom-client is incompatible with your pc, smartphone etc. you can attend via an Internet browser. Log-in in due time before to allow time to install the client. The physical place of the defence: Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Room: 1-04-03 (Lounge), Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N Ask for a copy of the thesis: juan.roda@bric.ku.dk "
"PhD defence: Andres Jimenez Kaufmann";"";"2026-06-02";"14:00";"2026-06-02";"17:00";"Panum building 20, Victor Haderup Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N";" Decoding the heterogeneity of Systemic Autoimmune - Diseases through multimodal data integration";"Decoding the heterogeneity of Systemic Autoimmune - Diseases through multimodal data integration Assessment Committee:Associate professor David Duchene (Chairperson)Professor Ole LundDr Irina Giurgea Supervisors:Professor Søren BrunakProfessor Simon Rasmussen Department: Department of Public Health Graduate Programme:Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Place:Panum building 20, Room: Victor Haderup Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Ask for a copy of the thesis: andres.kaufmann@sund.ku.dk "
"PhD defence: Emilie Katrine Kongebro";"";"2026-06-03";"14:00";"2026-06-03";"17:00";"Rigshospitalet, Auditorium 93, Juliane Maries vej 20, 2100 Copenhagen Ø";"Haemorrhage, Healthcare & Health-Related Quality of Life - Exploring the Impact of Screening for Atrial Fibrillation";"Haemorrhage, Healthcare & Health-Related Quality of Life - Exploring the Impact of Screening for Atrial Fibrillation Assessment Committee:Associate professor Ulrik Dixen (Chairperson)Associate professor Jacob Mosgaard LarsenProfessor Michiel Rienstra Supervisors:Clinical Professor Jesper Hastrup SvendsenPhD Christian Kronborg Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Cardiovascular Research Place:Rigshospitalet, Room: Auditorium 93, Juliane Maries vej 20, 2100 Copenhagen Ø Ask for a copy of the thesis: emilie.katrine.kongebro.01@regionh.dk "
"PhD defence: Victoria George";"";"2026-06-04";"09:00";"2026-06-04";"12:00";"Digital defence";" Exploring the Impact of Ultra-Processed Food on Male Health and Sperm Epigenetic Profiles in Twins";"Exploring the Impact of Ultra-Processed Food on Male Health and Sperm Epigenetic Profiles in Twins Assessment Committee:Associate professor Tuomas Oskari Kilpeläinen (Chairperson)Professor Isabelle MansuyProfessor Anthony J Hannan Supervisors:Professor Romain Emmanuel BarresProfessor Jeffrey CraigAssociate Professor Christoffer Clemmensen, Professor Eva Ran Hoffmann, Associate Research Fellow Yen WongDepartment: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research Graduate Programme:Basic Metabolic Research Place: Virtual defence, please follow the link: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/65058166120?pwd=wayZD9IpyG7OXmLqh4zCC84W7ixioN.1Meeting ID: 650 5816 6120Password: 914499Instructions: To attend the PhD defence, please follow the link and hereafter the instructions to download the required -client. If the -client is incompatible with your pc, smartphone etc. you can attend via an Internet browser. Log-in in due time before to allow time to install the -client.As the defence is held as a digital defence, we kindly ask guests who do not have an active role in the defence to mute your microphones and leave your cameras turned off during the defence. Questions from the audience will be received through the chat function. Ask for a copy of the thesis: victoria.george@monash.edu"
"PhD defence by Priya Khadgawat ";"";"2026-06-04";"11:00";"2026-06-04";"14:00";"Room 13.1.48 at Panum, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N";"Preclinical development of Oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate Targeted Therapies in Acute myeloid Leukemia";"Preclinical development of Oncofetal Chondroitin Sulfate Targeted Therapies in Acute myeloid Leukemia Assessment Committee:Professor Krister Wennerberg (Chairperson)Associate professor Mike Bogetofte BarnkobAssociate professor Vladimir Lj Lazarevic Supervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Kim Theilgaard-MønchProfessor Ali Salanti Department: BRIC Graduate Programme:Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Place:Room 13.1.48 at Panum, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Email address to gain access to the thesis: priya.khadgawat@bric.ku.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy."
"PhD defence by Frederikke Rosenvinge Skov";"";"2026-06-05";"13:00";"2026-06-05";"16:00";"Auditoriet, Fælledvej 6, 4200 Slagelse";"Asthma and allergy during first 18 years of life - better understanding of endotypes and better prevention of disease";"Asthma and allergy during first 18 years of life - better understanding of endotypes and better prevention of disease Assessment Committee:Professor Allan Linneberg, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Mohamed Shamji, Imperial College London, NHLIProfessor Wojciech Feleszko, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Medical University of Warsawa Supervisors:Clinical Research Associate Professor Ann-Marie Malby SchoosClinical Professor Bo Lund Krogsgaard ChawesClinical Professor Klaus Bønnelykke, MD Rikke Bjergsand Sunde, Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Life Cycle in Medicine Place:Auditoriet, Room: Auditoriet, Fælledvej 6, 4200 Slagelse Email address to gain access to the thesis: frederikke.skov@dbac.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Asthma and allergy are among the most common chronic diseases in childhood, but their course differs greatly between children. Some children grow out of symptoms, while others continue to have disease for many years. This PhD thesis investigates how asthma and allergic disease develop from childhood into adolescence in the COPSAC2000 cohort. The studies focus on type 2 inflammation, allergic rhinitis, and sensitization to pet allergens, including whether more detailed allergy testing adds clinically relevant information. By linking symptoms with objective measurements of lung function, airway inflammation, and allergy, the thesis aims to improve our understanding of which children are at risk of persistent disease."
"PhD defence: Trine Witzner Hessel";"";"2026-06-05";"14:00";"2026-06-05";"17:00";"Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, 1.95, Borgmester Ib Juuls vej 83, 2730 Herlev";"Incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) and glucagon in children at different stages of type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls";"Incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) and glucagon in children at different stages of type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls Assessment Committee:Associate professor Grete Katrine Teilmann (Chairperson)Associate professor Kurt KristensenAssociate professor Annelie Carlsson Supervisors:Clinical Professor Jesper JohannesenClinical Professor Flemming PociotMD, PhD Jens Otto Broby MadsenCand.med., PhD, Postdoc Freja Cecilie Barrett MørkAssociate Professor Joachim Størling Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Basic Metabolic Research Place:Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Room: 1.95, Borgmester Ib Juuls vej 83, 2730 Herlev Ask for a copy of the thesis: Trine.witzner.hessel.lawaetz@regionh.dk "
"PhD defence by Yagmur Sisman ";"";"2026-06-05";"14:00";"2026-06-05";"17:00";"Herlev Hospital, Lille Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls vej 1, 2730 Herlev";" Druggable Targets in Ovarian Cancer";"Druggable Targets in Ovarian Cancer Assessment Committee:Professor Julia Sidenius Johansen (Chairperson)Professor Torben SteinicheProfessor Christer Borgfeldt Supervisors:Clinical Professor Estrid Vilma Solyom HøgdallClinical Associate Professor Tine Henrichsen Schnack Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Clinical Cancer Research Place:Herlev Hospital, Room: Lille Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls vej 1, 2730 Herlev Email address to gain access to the thesis: sismanyagmur@gmail.comYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. "
"PhD defence by Kuan Wang ";"";"2026-06-08";"13:00";"2026-06-08";"16:00";"Hvidovre Hospital, Auditorium 3+4, Kettegård Allé 36, 2650 Hvidovre";"From Established Therapies to Emerging Candidates: Antiviral Activity and Resistance Barriers of Direct-Acting Antivirals against Hepatitis C Virus";"From Established Therapies to Emerging Candidates: Antiviral Activity and Resistance Barriers of Direct-Acting Antivirals against Hepatitis C Virus Assessment Committee:Associate professor Uffe Vest (Chairperson)Professor Ole Schmeltz SøgaardDr Sofia Perez del Pulgar Gallart Supervisors:Associate Professor Santseharay Ramirez AlmeidaAssociate Professor Kenn Holmbeck Department: Department of Immunology and Microbiology Graduate Programme:Immunology and Infectious Diseases Place:Hvidovre Hospital, Room: Auditorium 3+4, Kettegård Allé 36, 2650 Hvidovre Email address to gain access to the thesis: zpc435@sund.ku.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a global health challenge despite the success of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This PhD thesis investigates how HCV develops resistance to antiviral treatment and how resistance pathways differ across drug classes and viral genotypes. Using advanced HCV cell culture models, the studies characterize resistance-associated substitutions, their impact on viral fitness, and the barrier to resistance of current DAA regimens. In addition, the thesis evaluates remdesivir as a potential anti-HCV treatment and demonstrates potent antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo, together with a relatively high barrier to resistance. The findings contribute to a better understanding of HCV antiviral resistance and may support future antiviral treatment strategies."
"PhD defence by Sara Fresnillo Saló ";"";"2026-06-09";"10:30";"2026-06-09";"13:30";"Herlev Hospital, Lille auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev";"Training the Immune System against Cancer";"Training the Immune System against Cancer Assessment Committee:Associate professor Lykke Sylow (Chairperson)Professor emerita Marianne HoklandProfessor Jürgen Becker Supervisors:Clinical Professor Daniel Hargbøl MadsenGroup Leader Per Thor StratenPostdoc Gitte Holmen Olofsson, Department: Department of Immunology and Microbiology Graduate Programme:Immunology and Infectious Diseases Place:Herlev Hospital, Room: Lille auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev Email address to gain access to the thesis: sara.fresnillo.salo@regionh.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy."
"PhD defence: Katrine Aagaard Myhr";"";"2026-06-10";"14:00";"2026-06-10";"17:00";"Mærsk Tårnet, Foredragssalen 7.15.92, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2100 København";"Native T1 mapping as a marker of myocardial fibrosis in aortic valve stenosis";"Native T1 mapping as a marker of myocardial fibrosis in aortic valve stenosis Assessment Committee:Associate professor Jens Jakob Thune (Chairperson)Associate professor Morten Steen Kvistholm JensenProfessor Odd Bech-Hanssen Supervisors:Clinical Professor Lars Valeur KøberMD Redi Pecini Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Cardiovascular Research Place:Mærsk Tårnet, Room: Foredragssalen 7.15.92, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2100 København Ask for a copy of the thesis: katrinemyhr@outlook.dk "
"PhD defence by Emil Zeng Skovhøj ";"";"2026-06-11";"11:30";"2026-06-11";"14:30";"Building 7, Room 7.15.92, Blegdamsvej 3B, København N 2200";"The Dual Role of the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Gene KCNQ1 in Insulin Secretion and Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity";"The Dual Role of the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Gene KCNQ1 in Insulin Secretion and Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity Assessment Committee:Professor Nils Billestrup (Chairperson)Professor Charlotte LingProfessor Jean-Christophe Jonas Supervisors:Professor Thomas Rolf Mandrup-PoulsenProfessor Thomas JespersenProfessor Sebastian Barg Assistant Professor Anniek Frederike Lubberding Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programme:Basic Metabolic Research Place:Building 7, Room: 7.15.92, Blegdamsvej 3B, København N 2200 Email address to gain access to the thesis: emil@sund.ku.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy."
"PhD defence: Ireen Kooij";"";"2026-06-11";"14:00";"2026-06-11";"17:00";"Herlev Hospital, Lille Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev";"Nonclassical Regulators of Reproductive Function: Down to the Bone";"Nonclassical Regulators of Reproductive Function: Down to the Bone Assessment Committee:Professor Jesper Krogh (Chairperson)Professor Karin Lykke-HartmannProfessor Alberto Ferlin Supervisors:Clinical Professor Martin Blomberg JensenPhD, MSc, Senior Scientist Anne JørgensenSenior Scientist Stine Gry Kristensen Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Life Cycle in Medicine Place:Herlev Hospital, Room: Lille Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev Ask for a copy of the thesis: ireen.kooij@regionh.dk "
"PhD defence: Nikoline Marie Schou Karlsen";"";"2026-06-11";"14:00";"2026-06-11";"17:00";"Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Auditorium 93, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø";"Optimizing Triage of Patients with Adnexal Masses - Evaluation of Diagnostic Models in the Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts (DOC) Study";"Optimizing Triage of Patients with Adnexal Masses - Evaluation of Diagnostic Models in the Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts (DOC) Study Assessment Committee:Professor Julia Sidenius Johansen (Chairperson)Professor Jan BlaakjærDr Wouter Froymann Supervisors:Professor Claus Kim HøgdallChief Physician Eva DreislerChief Physician Abelone Elisabeth Sakse Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Clinical Cancer Research Place:Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Room: Auditorium 93, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø Ask for a copy of the thesis: nikoline.marie.schou.karlsen@regionh.dk "
"PhD defence by Mariam Elmegaard ";"";"2026-06-11";"14:00";"2026-06-11";"17:00";"Main Building, Herlev Hospital, Main Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls vej 1, 2730 Herlev";"Navigating the practice-changing era of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in cardiovascular care - From real-world data to clinical implementation";"Navigating the practice-changing era of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in cardiovascular care - From real-world data to clinical implementation Assessment Committee:Associate professor Carolina Malta Hansen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Brian Bridal Løgstrup, Aarhus UniversityDr Kieran Docherty, University of Glasgow, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Supervisors:Clinical Professor Morten SchouClinical Professor Lars Valeur Køber Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Cardiovascular Research Place:Main Building, Herlev Hospital, Room: Main Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls vej 1, 2730 Herlev Email address to gain access to the thesis: mariam.elmegaard@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Medicines originally developed for type 2 diabetes, including SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, have transformed cardiovascular and kidney care, with benefits extending beyond lowering blood sugar. However, effective treatments only improve health if they reach the patients who may benefit from them. This PhD thesis uses nationwide Danish health data to examine how these therapies are used in everyday clinical practice, including which patients are less likely to start or continue treatment. It also presents the EMAIL-HF trial, designed to test whether digital patient outreach linked to specialist evaluation can improve access to SGLT2 inhibitor treatment for people with chronic heart failure. Together, the studies explore how medical advances can be translated into equitable, real-world care."
"Effective Communication and Professional Skills for Pharmacometricians by Stacey Tannenbaum";"Associate Professor Trine Meldgaard Lund, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, and the PopSim Board (Section for Quantitative Pharmacology) under the Danish Pharmaceutical Society";"2026-06-11";"14:30";"2026-06-11";"17:00";"Auditorium 1, building 12, University of Copenhagen, PharmaSchool, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø";"PopSim – DRA seminar";"Communication skills and relationship management are often considered by quantitative scientists to be a distraction to the ""real"" work we do- and this is to our detriment! Modelers must collaborate with partners and teams and convince decision makers to accept recommendations that are derived from our analyses. The objective of this seminar is to equip modelers with tools to be respected and impactful drug development partners. Strategies will be shared for building and maintaining credibility with project teams, appropriately presenting technical results to decision makers, and handling pushbacks and skepticism for quantitative content. Programme 14:30-14:35 WelcomeTrine Meldgaard Lund, University of Copenhagen 14:35-15:30 Stacey Tannenbaum: Effective Communication and Professional Skills for Pharmacometricians 15:30-16:00 Coffee and networking 16:00-16:30 Stacey Tannenbaum: Presentation continued 16:30-17:00 Q&A Stacey Tannenbaum, PhD, FISoP is a Consultant and Coach supporting the MIDD community at SJTPharm LLC. Prior to starting her consultancy, Stacey spent 25+ years in the Pharma industry as a PKPD scientist and leader at Metrum Research Group, Astellas, and Novartis. Stacey is a co-founder of both ISoP and ACoP and has held leadership positions in several other professional organizations and conferences, including WCoP, AAPS, and ASCPT. Stacey has over 100 conference presentations, training lectures, webinars, and podcasts, and has demonstrated expertise in coaching scientists and teams on developing and executing impactful scientific presentations and building professional and leadership skills. More information: https://www.staceytannenbaum.com/ The seminar is organized on behalf of the graduate programme in pharmaceutical sciences, Drug Research Academy and PopSim (Population Simulation Modelling section) under the Danish Pharmaceutical Society, by Associate Professor Trine Meldgaard Lund, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. Pre-registration is required: REGISTRATION The seminar is free of charge and open to attendance by all interested parties. Please register before 5 June 2026. "
"SUND Collaborates Information & Matchmaking Event";" Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences";"2026-06-11";"15:30";"2026-06-11";"18:00";"Viewpoint (Udsigten), Maersk Tower 15th Floor, Panum, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen N";"Join us for an inspirational afternoon focused on meeting colleagues, exchanging ideas and exploring new research collaborations across SUND.";" Time: 11 June 2026, 15:30-18:00 Place: Viewpoint (Udsigten), Maersk Tower 15th Floor, Panum, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen N Join us for an engaging afternoon focused on meeting colleagues, exchanging ideas and exploring new research collaborations across SUND. Whether you have a concrete project idea and are looking for collaborators, or you’re simply curious to hear and discuss ideas where you might contribute, you are very welcome to participate. Researchers at all career stages are welcome – from early‑career researchers interested in contributing to collaborative projects to senior colleagues eligible to lead and build new collaborations. The event will also include a brief introduction to SUND Collaborates as well as a visit by successful SUND Collaborates grantees (Call 2025) who will share their experiences. The formal programme runs from 16:00–18:00, followed by optional time to stay on for informal dialogue. We will start on time, so please arrive a few minutes early. Programme 15:30 – 16:00 | Registration, coffee, light snacks & informal networking 16:00 – 16:15 | Welcome and introduction | Hans Bräuner, Vice-Dean for Research 16:15 – 16:30 | Experiences from SUND Collaborates 2025 16:30 – 17:00 | Short plenary pitches: Project ideas seeking collaborators 17:00 – 18:00 | Networking sessions 18:00 – 19:00 | Continued informal networking & sandwiches (optional) Do you have a project idea you’d like to pitch in the plenary session and use as a starting point for finding potential collaborators? Please contact the SUND Collaborates secretariat: collaborates@sund.ku.dk What is SUND Collaborates? SUND Collaborates is a competitive strategic research programme initiated in 2025 at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (SUND), which supports novel collaborative research initiatives across the faculty. SUND Collaborates provides seed funding (grant size: DKK 4 million to successful applicants) to stimulate collaboration in emerging research areas, strengthen existing positions of excellence, and promote the development of long-term collaborations with substantial external funding potential. You can apply within the three strategic themes announced in the 2026-call (below) or other topics. All applications will be evaluated equally. Digital transformation and AI in health Defence-oriented health research Reforming health care systems towards primary, equitable and sustainable health Read more about the 2026-call, eligibility criteria, evaluation etc. here: SUND Collaborates"
"PhD defence: Axel Dines Skafte-Holm";"";"2026-06-12";"13:00";"2026-06-12";"16:00";"42/43, Foredragssalen, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S";"Infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes";"Infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes Assessment Committee:Professor Ellen Christine Leth Løkkegaard (Chairperson)Associate professor Rikke Bek HelmigProfessor Janneke van de Wijgert Supervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Kirsten Salado-Rasmussen Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Health and Medical Sciences Place:42/43, Room: Foredragssalen, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S Ask for a copy of the thesis: axsh@ssi.dk "
"PhD defence: Milla Ortved";"";"2026-06-12";"14:00";"2026-06-12";"17:00";"Rigshospitalet, Auditorium 1, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø";"Surgical approaches and outcomes in kidney transplantation";"Surgical approaches and outcomes in kidney transplantation Assessment Committee:Professor Mikkel M. Fode (Chairperson)Professor Henrik BirnDr Niclas Kvarnström Supervisors:Clinical Professor Andreas RøderClinical Professor Søren Schwartz SørensenMD Julia Abildgaard Dagnæs-Hansen Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Surgical Sciences Place:Rigshospitalet, Room: Auditorium 1, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø Ask for a copy of the thesis: milla.ortved@regionh.dk "
"PhD defence: Cecilie Paulsrud";"";"2026-06-12";"14:00";"2026-06-12";"17:00";"Main building, Entrance hall, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 83, 2730 Herlev";"Sleep in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Disease with a special focus on Type 1 Diabetes - Screening Tool Development, Clinical Sleep Assessment and Sleep-Disease Interactions";"Sleep in Children and Adolescents with Chronic Disease with a special focus on Type 1 Diabetes - Screening Tool Development, Clinical Sleep Assessment and Sleep-Disease Interactions Assessment Committee:Associate professor Stine Lund (Chairperson)Professor Konstantinos KamperisProfessor Catherine Hill Supervisors:Clinical Professor Jannet SvenssonClinical Professor Kirsten NørgaardClinical Research Associate Professor Nanette M Monique Mol Debes, Professor Poul Jørgen Jennum, Teaching Assistant Steffen Ullitz Thorsen, Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Basic Metabolic Research Place:Main building, Room: Entrance hall, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 83, 2730 Herlev Ask for a copy of the thesis: cecilie.paulsrud@regionh.dk"
"PhD defence by Lærke Winther Kristensen ";"";"2026-06-12";"14:00";"2026-06-12";"17:00";"Building 44, Auditorium 2, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen";"Physical activity during hospitalisation in paediatric care - Measurements, interventions, and challenges";"Physical activity during hospitalisation in paediatric care - Measurements, interventions, and challenges Assessment Committee:Associate professor Hanne Bækgaard Larsen (Chairperson)Professor Carsten JuhlAssociate professor Martin Salö Supervisors:Clinical Professor Jette Led SørensenPhD, Clinical Researcher Michelle StahlhutGuest Lecturer Derek John Curtis Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Life Cycle in Medicine Place:Building 44, Room: Auditorium 2, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Email address to gain access to the thesis: laerke.winther@regionh.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy."
"PhD defence by Kathrine Vauvert Römmelmayer Hviid ";"";"2026-06-12";"14:00";"2026-06-12";"17:00";"Panum, Hannover Auditorie, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N";"Overweight and Reproductive Outcomes: The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Preconceptional Weight Loss";"Overweight and Reproductive Outcomes: The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Preconceptional Weight Loss Assessment Committee:Professor Thomas Bergholt (Chairperson)Professor Lars Henning PedersenProfessor Siobhan Quenby Supervisors:Clinical Professor Henriette Svarre NielsenClinical Professor Finn Stener JørgensenAssociate professor Nina Rica Wium Geiker Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Life Cycle in Medicine Place:Panum, Room: Hannover Auditorie, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N Email address to gain access to the thesis: khvi0038@regionh.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Rising obesity and declining fertility are key health issues. Parental, especially maternal, obesity increases the risks for the child to develop obesity itself. Furthermore, obesity increases the risk of obstetric complications together with a longer time to pregnancy with natural conception or through fertility treatment. Weight loss before pregnancy, and possibly with new drugs like GLP-1 receptor agonists, may improve outcomes, but their safety in relation to reproduction and pregnancy is unclear. This PhD project aims to study pre-pregnancy weight loss, the effects of GLP-1 drugs before fertility treatment, and exposure of GLP-1 in the periconceptional period on obstetric outcomes. "
"PhD defence by Frederik Knude Øksendal Palshof ";"";"2026-06-12";"14:00";"2026-06-12";"17:00";"5, 5.1.A.B Solhatten and Solstrålen, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 København Ø";"Development in the most common cancers in Denmark - Demography and risk factors";"Development in the most common cancers in Denmark - Demography and risk factors Assessment Committee:Professor Susanne Dalton, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Mads Kamper-Jørgensen, Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen & Steno Diabetes Center, CopenhagenProfessor Lisa Rydén, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, & Lund University Supervisors:Clinical Professor Tove Holst Filtenborg TvedskovProfessor Emeritus Niels Thorndahl KromanGroup Leader Lina Steinrud Mørch Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Public Health and Epidemiology Place:5, Room: 5.1.A.B Solhatten and Solstrålen, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 København Ø Email address to gain access to the thesis: frederikpalshof@gmail.comYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Cancer is on the rise in the Western world. By 2050, we may see almost 20% more cancer patients in Denmark. Can we slow this increase by focusing strongly on prevention? Or will an ageing population simply lead to more cancer no matter what we do?This PhD focuses on these questions and zooms in on breast cancer to see which subtypes and age groups will be most common in the future. It also examines whether we are, in practice, carrying out unsystematic screening for prostate cancer in Denmark, despite national recommendations against it."
"PhD defence by Patrick Terrence Brooks ";"";"2026-06-12";"14:00";"2026-06-12";"17:00";"8, Einar Lundsgaard Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 København N";"High-resolution immunological profiling in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation";"High-resolution immunological profiling in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation Assessment Committee:Professor Jens Ulrik Jensen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Torben Barington, The University of Southern Denmark (SDU)Professor Katarina le Blanc, Karolinska Institutet Supervisors:Clinical Professor Sisse Rye OstrowskiClinical Professor Henrik SengeløvMD Lars Klingen Gjærde, Clinical Associate Professor Hanne Vibeke Hansen Marquart, MD, PhD Lia Minculescu, Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Immunology and Infectious Diseases Place:8, Room: Einar Lundsgaard Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 København N Email address to gain access to the thesis: ptbrooks@gmail.comYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) can cure life-threatening blood disorders, yet clinical outcomes remain highly dependent on successful immune reconstitution after treatment. This thesis investigates how advanced, high-resolution immune profiling can identify early biomarkers associated with survival, relapse, and transplant-related complications. By analyzing immune cell reconstitution, cytokine responses, and plasma proteomics in allo-HCT recipients, distinct immune signatures were linked to conditioning regimens and clinical outcomes. These findings demonstrate the value of multimodal immunodiagnostics in advancing our understanding of post-transplant immunity and highlight their potential to support more personalized, predictive, and effective care for patients undergoing allo-HCT."
"PhD defence by Pi Vejsig Madsen ";"";"2026-06-15";"11:00";"2026-06-15";"14:00";"CSS building 1, 1.1.18, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 København K";"Causal Inference for Evaluation of the Forthcoming Mary Elizabeth's Hospital for Children";"Causal Inference for Evaluation of the Forthcoming Mary Elizabeth's Hospital for Children Assessment Committee:Professor Thomas Scheike (Chairperson)Associate professor Anders StockmarrProfessor Jon Michael Gran Supervisors:Clinical Professor Lone Graff StensballeAssociate Professor Frank Fredric Cebastian ErikssonSenior Researcher Andreas Jensen, Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Place:CSS building 1, Room: 1.1.18, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 København K Email address to gain access to the thesis: pi.vejsig.madsen@regionh.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Mary Elizabeth's Hospital, a new hospital for children, adolescents, and expecting families, will open at Rigshospitalet in 2027. This thesis considers practical and methodological challenges in determining the causal effect of this new hospital using data from the nationwide Danish registers. The situation before the opening is studied in a descriptive overview of pediatric contacts at the Danish tertiary hospitals during 2000-2018, and by developing statistical methods for fair hospital comparisons using recurrent event outcomes (such as repeated outpatient visits). The thesis also estimates the effect of the first Danish children's hospital, the Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital at Odense University Hospital, on hospital-level activity outcomes using synthetic control methods and on patient-level health outcomes using three different approaches."
"PhD defence by Alisha Annikki Niskala ";"";"2026-06-15";"13:00";"2026-06-15";"16:00";"Hybrid defence";"Inflammatory Signaling Pathways in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Targets";"Inflammatory Signaling Pathways in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Targets Assessment Committee:Professor Clare Hawkins, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Daniel F. J. Ketelhuth, University of Southern DenmarkDr Maria Vistnes, Klyv TherapeuticsSupervisors:Professor Thomas JespersenAssociate Professor Bo Hjorth BentzenAssistant Professor Arnela Saljic, Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programme: Cardiovascular Research Place:The defence is conducted as a hybrid defence. To attend the defence in persion: 16.6 Panum building, Room: Faculty Club, 16.6.16, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København To attend the defence onlinePlease follow the link to attend the defence online: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/3386501320?pwd=Rk55cTRrWEYvUVJjSU9BaDlYSUVJdz09&omn=65037989338 Meeting ID, if relevant: 338 650 1320Password, if relevant: 560700 Email address to gain access to the thesis: alisha.niskala@sund.ku.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:This PhD thesis investigates the inflammatory–structural axis driving atrial fibrillat ion (AF), the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia worldwide, wherein the inflammatory mechanisms remain unclear. The work focuses on how fibroblast-specific NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and its crosstalk with infiltrating immune cells, contributes to atrial structural remodeling and AF progression. Combining a comprehensive literature review, a clinically translatable porcine tachypacing study, primary co-culture work in human fibroblasts and macrophages, and a fibrotic biomarker investigation, the thesis progresses from concept to mechanism to translational relevance. A central component is the identification and characterization of therapeutic targets within the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, with specific focus on the anti-inflammatory agent colchicine and the S100A8/A9 alarmin proteins."
"PhD defence by Emilie Johanning Bari ";"";"2026-06-15";"14:30";"2026-06-15";"17:30";"12, Lassen auditorium, Nielsine Nielsens vej 12, 2400 KBH NV";"Progression from mild to severe asthma: risk factors and mechanisms";" Progression from mild to severe asthma: risk factors and mechanisms Assessment Committee:Professor Jens-Ulrik Stæhr Jensen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Uffe Christian Steinholtz Bødtger, Region Sjælland and University of Southern DenmarkAssociate professor John Brannan, University of Newcastle Supervisors:Clinical Professor Celeste Michala PorsbjergAssociate Researcher Mandy MenzelPhD Susanne HansenMD, PhD Morten Winther Hvidtfeldt Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Airways, Anesthesiology and Skin Place:12, Room: Lassen auditorium, Nielsine Nielsens vej 12, 2400 KBH NV Email address to gain access to the thesis: emilie.johanning@gmail.comYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Asthma usually begins as a mild and manageable disease, but in some patients it progresses into severe asthma with persistent symptoms, recurrent exacerbations, and reduced quality of life. This PhD thesis explores why this progression occurs and how patients at risk may be identified earlier. Through registry-based, clinical, and experimental studies, the thesis investigates the role of allergy, recurrent respiratory infections, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway epithelial immune responses. Together, the findings suggest that severe asthma may develop through a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation, infections, and exacerbations. A better understanding of these early risk signals may support more personalised treatment and prevention strategies."
"PhD defence by Carl Frederik Halskou Haugaard ";"";"2026-06-15";"15:30";"2026-06-15";"18:30";"Rigshospitalet, Auditorium 1, Blegdamsvej, 2100 København Ø";"Utilizing Wireless Electroporation for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)";"Utilizing Wireless Electroporation for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Assessment Committee:Associate professor Christina Caroline Plaschke, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Thomas Kjærgaard, Aarhus UniversityProfessor Maja Cemazar, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana Supervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Irene WesselProfessor Richard HellerSenior Researcher Anders Elias Hansen, Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Surgical Sciences Place:Rigshospitalet, Room: Auditorium 1, Blegdamsvej, 2100 København Ø Email address to gain access to the thesis: carl.frederik.halskou.haugaard@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Head and neck cancer remains a global health challenge, with current treatments often limited by invasiveness and systemic toxicity. This PhD explores Wireless Electroporation (WEP), a non-invasive technology that uses electromagnetic fields to temporarily open cell membranes, enabling targeted delivery of drugs and genes. The research demonstrates WEP’s potential to enhance the efficacy of therapies like bleomycin in vitro, while also highlighting its current limitations for gene delivery and in vivo applications. By addressing these challenges, WEP could pave the way for safer, more effective cancer treatments, offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors."
"PhD defence: Deniz Esen";"";"2026-06-16";"13:00";"2026-06-16";"16:00";"20, Adolf Hannover auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N";"Quantitative Image-Based Assessment of Tissue Histology in Regeneration";"Quantitative Image-Based Assessment of Tissue Histology in Regeneration Assessment Committee:Professor Joshua Mark Brickman (Chairperson)Professor Lene Niemann NejsumDr Jordi Guiu Sagarra Supervisors:Professor Kim Bak JensenAssociate Professor Jakub Sedzinski Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programme:Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Place:20, Room: Adolf Hannover auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Ask for a copy of the thesis: denizesen174@gmail.com "
"PhD defence: Svenja Hansson";"";"2026-06-16";"13:00";"2026-06-16";"16:00";"Building 9, Henrik Dam Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København";"Functional genomics in skeletal muscle - Dissecting enhancer-gene regulation underlying exercise-induced muscle-to-brain communication";"Functional genomics in skeletal muscle - Dissecting enhancer-gene regulation underlying exercise-induced muscle-to-brain communication Assessment Committee:Associate professor Atul Shahaji Deshmukh (Chairperson)Professor Kyung Min NohProfessor Simone Spuler Supervisors:Professor Romain Emmanuel BarresAssociate Professor - Promotion Programme Tune H PersAssistant Professor Kristine Williams Department: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research Graduate Programme:Basic Metabolic Research Place:Building 9, Room: Henrik Dam Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København Ask for a copy of the thesis: svenja@sund.ku.dk "
"PhD defence by Amalie Camilla Pedersen ";"";"2026-06-16";"13:00";"2026-06-16";"16:00";"1-05, A1-05.01, Dyrlægevej 100, 1870 Frederiksberg C";"Parasitic helminths in alternative pig production systems - Infection dynamics and control";"Parasitic helminths in alternative pig production systems - Infection dynamics and control Assessment Committee:Professor Kurt Buchmann, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Peter Lindberg Nejsum, Aarhus UniversityDr Smaragda Sotiraki, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation Supervisors:Professor Stig Milan ThamsborgSenior Advisor Helena MejerAssistant Professor Mita Eva Sengupta, Professor Andrew Richard Williams, Department: Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Graduate Programme:Veterinary, Animal Health and Microbiological Sciences Place:1-05, Room: A1-05.01, Dyrlægevej 100, 1870 Frederiksberg C Email address to gain access to the thesis: acp@sund.ku.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:As pig production increasingly moves towards more sustainable and animal-friendly systems, understanding how diseases spread in these environments becomes essential. This PhD thesis investigates parasitic worm infections in organic and agroforestry pig production, where pigs have access to outdoor areas and tree-covered paddocks. Through field studies and experimental research, the thesis explores how paddock design, animal behaviour, and parasite biology influence infection risk. It also examines early signs of drug resistance and evaluates plant-based alternatives to conventional deworming treatments. The findings contribute new knowledge that can support sustainable parasite control and improve animal health and welfare in future pig production systems."
"PhD defence by Clara Springhorn Grønkjær ";"";"2026-06-16";"13:00";"2026-06-16";"16:00";"Hybrid defence";"The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on brain health - SARS-CoV-2, neurological and mental health disorders";"The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on brain health - SARS-CoV-2, neurological and mental health disorders Assessment Committee:Professor Merete Osler, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Anders Peter Hviid, Statens Serum Institut (SSI)Associate professor Maxime Taquet, University of OxfordSupervisors:Clinical Professor Michael Eriksen BenrosClinical Professor Daniel Kondziellasenior researcher Rune Haubo Christensen Department: Department of Immunology and Microbiology Graduate Programme: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Place:The defence is conducted as a hybrid defence. To attend the defence in persion:Building 20, Room: Victor Haderup auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Kbh N To attend the defence onlinePlease follow the link to attend the defence online: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/62109899196?pwd=OO5tR3aB1wxuD7kALXc4b5aiTHoTuz.1 Meeting ID, if relevant: 621 0989 9196Password, if relevant: 548196 Email address to gain access to the thesis: clara.springhorn.groenkjaer@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:This thesis examines the long-term consequences on brain health of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in Denmark. Using nationwide Danish health registers and extensive PCR testing data, the studies followed millions of individuals throughout the pandemic. Epidemiological methods were used to investigate post-acute sequelae after COVID-19 and to assess changes in psychiatric healthcare use, suicide attempts, and suicides during lockdowns and across the pandemic period. "
"PhD defence: Ida Karoline Bach Jensen";"";"2026-06-16";"14:00";"2026-06-16";"17:00";"Nordsjællands Hospital, Auditorium 50B, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød";"Physical activity during pregnancy, maternal metabolic health, and placental structure and function - A PhD project based on results from the FitMum randomized controlled trial";"Physical activity during pregnancy, maternal metabolic health, and placental structure and function - A PhD project based on results from the FitMum randomized controlled trial Assessment Committee:Professor Olav Bjørn Petersen (Chairperson)Associate professor Martin OvergaardProfessor Kristi Adamo Supervisors:Clinical Professor Ellen Christine Leth LøkkegaardAssociate Professor Ole Hartvig MortensenClinical Associate Professor Tine Dalsgaard Clausen, Professor Bente Merete Stallknecht Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Life Cycle in Medicine Place:Nordsjællands Hospital, Auditorium 50B, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød Ask for a copy of the thesis: ida.jensen@sund.ku.dk "
"PhD defence by Camilla Heldbjerg Drabe Alminde";"";"2026-06-16";"14:00";"2026-06-16";"17:00";"Building 7.15.92, Mærsk (Foredragssal), Panum, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København";"Improving diagnostics and pathogenic understanding of immune dysfunction in patients with common variable immunodeficiency";"Improving diagnostics and pathogenic understanding of immune dysfunction in patients with common variable immunodeficiency Assessment Committee:Associate professor Lene Ryom (Chairperson)Professor Torben BaringtonProfessor Helen Leavis Supervisors:Clinical Professor Jens Dilling LundgrenMD, PhD, DMSc, Senior Consultant Terese KatzensteinClinical Associate Professor Marie HellebergClinical Associate Professor Hanne Vibeke Hansen Marquart Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Immunology and Infectious Diseases Place:Building 7.15.92, Room: Mærsk (Foredragssal), Panum, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København Email address to gain access to the thesis: camilla.heldbjerg.drabe.alminde@regionh.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy."
"PhD defence by Chenyang Wu ";"";"2026-06-17";"13:00";"2026-06-17";"16:00";"Building 12, Benzon Auditorium, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø";"pH-sensitive liquid crystalline nano-self-assemblies for colorectal cancer therapy";"pH-sensitive liquid crystalline nano-self-assemblies for colorectal cancer therapy Assessment Committee:Associate professor Mingshi Yang, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Ken Howard, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Århus university, DKProfessor Lars Nilsson, Department of Process and Life Science Engineering, Lund University, Sweden Supervisors:Professor Anan Yaghmur Department: Department of Pharmacy Graduate Programme:Pharmaceutical Sciences Place:Building 12, Room: Benzon Auditorium, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø Email address to gain access to the thesis: chenyang.wu@sund.ku.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:This PhD project focused on pH-responsive lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles as injectable nanoplatforms for cancer therapy. The work examined how diolein positional isomerism, fatty acid headgroup chemistry, pH, and PEGylation influence nanoparticle structure, morphology, size, and biological performance. The first study developed stabilizer-free 2-hydroxyoleic acid/diolein nanocarriers, highlighting the role of lipid molecular architecture in self-assembly. The second replaced 2-hydroxyoleic acid with oleic acid, showing how headgroup chemistry, diolein positional isomerism, and pH govern internal nanostructures. The third developed into methotrexate-loaded PEGylated micellar cubosomes with pH-sensitive structural behavior, hemocompatibility, cellular uptake, and improved antitumor efficacy. Overall, the project provides design principles for structurally tunable injectable cancer nanomedicines."
"PhD defence: Betel Tesfay";"";"2026-06-17";"14:00";"2026-06-17";"17:00";"7, Auditorium C, Valdemar Hansen Vej 1-25, 2600 Glostrup";"Blood-based inflammatory biomarkers in migraine and migraine subgroups";"Blood-based inflammatory biomarkers in migraine and migraine subgroups Assessment Committee:Associate professor Louise Møller Jørgensen (Chairperson)Professor Dagmar BeierProfessor Dimos D. Mitsikostas Supervisors:Clinical Professor Messoud AshinaClinical Associate Professor Faisal Mohammad Amin Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Neuroscience Place:7, Room: Auditorium C, Valdemar Hansen Vej 1-25, 2600 Glostrup Ask for a copy of the thesis: betel.tesfay@gmail.com "
"PhD defence: Nanna Brøns";"";"2026-06-17";"14:00";"2026-06-17";"17:00";"Building 20, Adolf Hannover Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N";"Genetic, immunological and sex-specific aspects of iron status in healthy blood donors";"Genetic, immunological and sex-specific aspects of iron status in healthy blood donors Assessment Committee:Associate professor Birgitte Lindegaard Madsen (Chairperson)Associate professor Bjarne Kuno MøllerDr Mikko Arvas Supervisors:Clinical Professor Sisse Rye OstrowskiClinical Associate Professor Andreas Birkedal GlenthøjMD Kathrine Agergård KaspersenMD, PhD Andreas Stribolt Rigas Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Public Health and Epidemiology Place:Building 20, Room: Adolf Hannover Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Ask for a copy of the thesis: nannabrons@gmail.com "
"PhD defence by Alexandra Annelie Brandtzäg ";"";"2026-06-17";"14:00";"2026-06-17";"17:00";"Panum, Henrik Dam Auditorie, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2100 Copenhagen";"Evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions in the superior mesenteric artery before and after stenting";"Evaluation of atherosclerotic lesions in the superior mesenteric artery before and after stenting Assessment Committee:Professor Michael Achiam, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Jacob Budtz-Lilly, Department of Clinical Medicine, Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular SurgeryProfessor Nuno Dias, Lund University Supervisors:Clinical Professor Tim ReschClinical Professor Jonas Peter EibergClinical Professor Lars LönnClinical Associate Professor Mikkel Taudorf Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Surgical Sciences Place:Panum, Room: Henrik Dam Auditorie, Blegdamsvej 3b, 2100 Copenhagen Email address to gain access to the thesis: alexandra.annelie.brandtzaeg@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Chronic mesenteric ischemia disease caused by insufficient blood supply to the intestines and may lead to severe complications if left untreated. Diagnosing clinicall y significant mesenteric artery stenosis remains challenging, as symptoms may overlap with other conditions. This thesis investigates the role of different diagnostic methods used at various stages of care in patients undergoing endovascular treatment for superior mesenteric artery stenosis. Using a prospective design, the aim of this thesis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative modalities in patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric artery stenosis."
"PhD defence: Christina Maria Eva Schuh";"";"2026-06-18";"10:00";"2026-06-18";"13:00";"Panum Building, Aud. Einar Lundsgaard, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N";"Leveraging ERK signaling to understand enhancer regulation";"Leveraging ERK signaling to understand enhancer regulation Assessment Committee:Associate professor Kathleen Stewart-Morgan (Chairperson)Dr Elly TanakaAssociate professor Charles Danko Supervisors:Professor Joshua Mark BrickmanAssociate Professor Nils Krietenstein Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programme:Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Place:Panum Building, Aud. Einar Lundsgaard, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N Ask for a copy of the thesis: christina.schuh@sund.ku.dk "
"PhD defence by Trine Mølbæk-Engbjerg ";"";"2026-06-18";"13:00";"2026-06-18";"16:00";"Opgang 10A, Gentofte Hospital, Lille auditorium, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, 2820 Gentofte";"Risk-behaviours, non-atopic comorbidities, and inflammatory biomarkers of adolescents with asthma";"Risk-behaviours, non-atopic comorbidities, and inflammatory biomarkers of adolescents with asthma Assessment Committee:Professor Kim G. Nielsen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Dr Signe Vahlkvist, University of Southern Denmark, SDUProfessor Ingvild Bruun Mikalsen, University of Bergen Supervisors:Clinical Professor Bo Lund Krogsgaard ChawesProfessor Morten Arendt RasmussenClinical Professor Klaus Bønnelykke Professor Susanne Brix Pedersen Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Life Cycle in Medicine Place:Opgang 10A, Room: Gentofte Hospital, Lille auditorium, Gentofte Hospitalsvej, 2820 Gentofte Email address to gain access to the thesis: trinemoelbaek@hotmail.com You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Asthma is an inflammatory disease and is the most common chronic disease in childhood, representing a burden on affected families and society. Living with asthma may also increase the risk of other health conditions, and a connection between depression and anxiety, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders, has been identified. It is unclear why these associations are observed, but one hypothesis is that asthma and other non-communicable diseases share genetic and environmental risk factors, leading to low-grade systemic inflammation that drives these diseases.In this PhD thesis, we investigate associations between asthma, risk behaviours, and non-atopic comorbidity. Furthermore, we explore associations between systemic inflammatory biomarkers collected through childhood and adolescence and asthma at 18 years. "
"PhD defence by Anna Oline Bøthun ";"";"2026-06-18";"14:00";"2026-06-18";"17:00";"Building 93, Rigshopitalet, Auditorium 93, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 copenhagen";"Pediatric eye movement-based perimetry -with a focus on children with Brain Tumors";"Pediatric eye movement-based perimetry -with a focus on children with Brain Tumors Assessment Committee:Associate professor Daniella Bach-Holm, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Mette Møller Handrup, Aarhus UniversityDr Frouke Nienke Boonstra, Royal Dutch Visio/ Radboud UMC Supervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Sarah Linea Von HolsteinProfessor Miriam KolkoPhD, Administrerende Direktør Alessandro GrilliniClinical Associate Professor René MathiasenPhD, Postdoc Barbara Johanne Thomas Nordhjem Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Neuroscience Place:Building 93, Rigshopitalet, Room: Auditorium 93, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 copenhagen Email address to gain access to the thesis: anna.oline.boethun@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Visual field defects can be the first sign of disease in the brain or the eye, but current methods for examining the visual field are unreliable in many patient populations, including children. In this research, eye movements as a means of examining the visual field in children were investigated. If you are curious about the results, you are very welcome to attend the defense and the reception afterwards!"
"PhD defence by Jesper Østrup Rasmussen ";"";"2026-06-18";"14:00";"2026-06-18";"17:00";"Panum Building, Adolf Hannover Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200";"Cannabidiol (CBD) as a novel treatment for psychosis";"Cannabidiol (CBD) as a novel treatment for psychosis Assessment Committee:Professor Vibe Gedsø Frøkjær, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Kristine Rømer Thomsen, Aarhus UniversityAssociate professor Rob McCutcheon, University of Oxford Supervisors:Clinical Professor, Deputy Head of Department Lone BaandrupClinical Professor Bjørn Hylsebeck EbdrupClinical Professor Birte Yding GlenthøjProfessor Poul Jørgen Jennum Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Psychiatry Place:Panum Building, Room: Adolf Hannover Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Email address to gain access to the thesis: jesper.oestrup.rasmussen@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Could cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating component of cannabis, offer a new treatment option for psychosis? Despite the high prevalence of cannabis use among people with psychosis, there is limited evidence to guide treatment. This PhD defence presents results from a randomized clinical trial investigating whether CBD can reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with psychosis and co-occurring cannabis use. By comparing CBD with standard antipsychotic treatment, the study addresses an important gap in psychiatric research and contributes new knowledge on potential treatment options for this underserved patient group. The thesis also explores the clinical use of cannabis-based medicinal products in Denmark and current prescribing practices."
"PhD defence by Marie Skov Kristensen ";"";"2026-06-19";"10:00";"2026-06-19";"13:00";"Bygning 20, stuen, Victor Haderup, Blegdamsvej 3B, København N 2200";"Dental Care among Danish Individuals in Vulnerable Positions - Utilization and Experiences of a Subsidy Scheme";"Dental Care among Danish Individuals in Vulnerable Positions - Utilization and Experiences of a Subsidy Scheme Assessment Committee:Professor Ole Steen Mortensen (Chairperson)Professor Pernille Tangaard AndersenProfessor Richard G Watt Supervisors:Professor Esben Boeskov ØzhayatProfessor Annette Kjær ErsbøllAssociate Professor Ingelise Andersen, Department: Department of Odontology Graduate Programme:Public Health and Epidemiology Place:Bygning 20, stuen, Room: Victor Haderup, Blegdamsvej 3B, København N 2200 Email address to gain access to the thesis: mskovkristensen@gmail.comYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:This PhD examines social inequalities in oral health and access to dental care among socially vulnerable citizens in Denmark. Focusing on the Danish municipal dental subsidy scheme (§82a and §82), the thesis investigates both patterns of use and individuals’ experiences of the scheme in practice. Combining register-based analyses with qualitative interviews, the project explores how financial hardship, administrative procedures, health problems, and social vulnerability shape people’s ability to access dental care. The thesis also examines how poor oral health affects everyday functioning, self-confidence, and social participation, and how dental treatment may support social reintegration and opportunities for participation in daily life. The findings contribute new insights into oral health inequalities, welfare systems, and equitable access to healthcare."
"PhD defence by Julia Alicja Szczygiel ";"";"2026-06-19";"11:00";"2026-06-19";"14:00";"Building 8, Lundsgaard Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N";"Endogenous and Synthetic Peptides: Therapeutic Modulators of Hyperexcitability in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy";"Endogenous and Synthetic Peptides: Therapeutic Modulators of Hyperexcitability in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Assessment Committee:Associate professor Celia Kjærby, Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Michael Winterdahl, Aarhus UniversityProfessor Michele Simonato, University of San Raffaele, Milan Supervisors:Associate Professor Kenneth Lindegaard MadsenAssociate Professor Rune W. BergPhD Pernilla FagergrenPhD Marco LedriClinical Professor Lars Hageman Pinborg Department: Department of Neuroscience Graduate Programme:Neuroscience Place:Building 8, Room: Lundsgaard Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Email address to gain access to the thesis: julia.goldfinch@outlook.com You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is a common and severe form of epilepsy in which many patients do not respond to currently available medications. This thesis contributes to ongoing efforts to support the development of improved treatment options for drug-resistant epilepsy. The work comprises three parts including electrophysiological studies of resected human brain tissue in collaboration with Lund University Hospital; investigations of neuropeptide Y (NPY) signaling using a novel biosensor in an acute rat seizure model; and long-term EEG recordings in a mouse model of chronic epilepsy. Overall, the thesis seeks to provide mechanistic insights into neuropeptide Y signalling, methodological advances in epilepsy research and translational implications for possible new treatment targets."
"PhD defence by Johan Frederik Christensen ";"";"2026-06-19";"11:00";"2026-06-19";"14:00";"Building 3, Auditoriet, Fælledvej 6, 4200 Slagelse";"Embracing Complexity in Implementing Medication Reviews in Psychiatry";"Embracing Complexity in Implementing Medication Reviews in Psychiatry Assessment Committee:Professor Mikkel Bring Christensen, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Daniel Pilsgaard Henriksen, University of southern DenmarkProfessor Emma Wallace, University of Cork Supervisors:Clinical Professor Gesche JürgensPostgraduate Clinical Associate Professor Signe Wegmann Clausen Düring Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Psychiatry Place:Building 3, Room: Auditoriet, Fælledvej 6, 4200 Slagelse Email address to gain access to the thesis: jofch@regionsjaelland.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Patients with severe mental disorder may be exposed to excessive polypharmacy. While medication reviews facilitate deprescribing, they do not consistently affect clinical outcomes. This may be caused by medicines optimization being a complex problem involving many stakeholders, medical specialties and professionals while rarely being solved using simple standardized interventions. Employing “complex interventions” to resolve such problems may facilitate direct implementation but are resource intensive. In a localized setting, Health-Technology-Assessments (HTA) may similarly assess the clinical, economic and organizational ramifications of implementing novel interventions while being less resource intensive. Structured as a HTA we implemented physician-led medication reviews through interdisciplinary dialogue for psychiatric outpatients with diabetes to facilitate direct implementation."
"PhD defence by Lukas Balsevicius ";"";"2026-06-19";"13:00";"2026-06-19";"16:00";"Panum, Adolf Hannover Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København";"Single cell multiomics based biomarker discovery in colon cancer";"Single cell multiomics based biomarker discovery in colon cancer Assessment Committee:Professor Niels Ødum, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Sine Reker Hadrup, Technical University of DenmarkAssociate professor Frederick Koh, Duke-NUS Medical University; Sengkang General Hospital; National University Cancer Institute Supervisors:Clinical Professor Ismail GögenurProfessor Thomas Wojciech Zygmunt LitmanDepartment: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Surgical Sciences Place:Panum, Room: Adolf Hannover Auditorium, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København Email address to gain access to the thesis: lukas.balsevicius@gmail.com You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:The human intestine is one of the body’s most immune active and diverse organs, but when colon cancer develops, it can hijack and reshape this environment in ways that support tumour growth. This PhD explores how the immune environment in colon cancer changes during treatment and why only a fraction of patients benefit from immunotherapy. Using advanced single cell sequencing technologies, the thesis maps thousands of individual cells from patient tumour samples and identifies immune cell states linked to either response or resistance. The work also optimizes a practical workflow for bringing these methods into clinical studies. Together, the findings contribute to a better understanding of colon cancer biology and support the development of safer and more personalised immunotherapy. "
"PhD defence: Dusan Rasic";"";"2026-06-22";"14:00";"2026-06-22";"17:00";"Zealand University Hospital, Lille Auditorium, Vestermarksvej 9, 4000 Roskilde";"Artificial intelligence-based breast cancer diagnostics and prognostics: focus on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and cellularity";"Artificial intelligence-based breast cancer diagnostics and prognostics: focus on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and cellularity Assessment Committee:Professor Lise Mette Rahbek Gjerdrum (Chairperson)Associate professor Rasmus RøgeProfessor Bjørn Naume Supervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Anne-Vibeke LænkholmAssociate Professor Mattias RantalainenProfessor Johan Hartman Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Place:Zealand University Hospital, Room: Lille Auditorium, Vestermarksvej 9, 4000 Roskilde Ask for a copy of the thesis: dura@regionsjaelland.dk "
"PhD defence: Aritz Roa Eguiara";"";"2026-06-23";"14:00";"2026-06-23";"17:00";"Building 29, Room  01.32, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N";"Genome translocation mechanism of a contractile tailed phage";"Genome translocation mechanism of a contractile tailed phage Assessment Committee:Associate professor Tom Miller (Chairperson)Associate professor Michela GambinoDr Mark Van Raaij Supervisors:Professor Nicholas Michael Ian TaylorProfessor Guillermo Montoya BlancoAssistant Professor Haidai Hu Department: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research Graduate Programme:Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Place:Building 29, Room: 01.32, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N Danmark Ask for a copy of the thesis: wxg622@ku.dk "
"PhD defence by Sarah Skovlunde Hornshøj Pedersen ";"";"2026-06-23";"14:00";"2026-06-23";"17:00";"Bygn. 12.1.104, Auditorie 3, Universitetsparken 2, København Ø";"Pressure and Prognosis in the Paediatric Brain - Telemetric Intracranial Pressure Monitoring and Long-term Outcome after Traumatic Brain Injury";"Pressure and Prognosis in the Paediatric Brain - Telemetric Intracranial Pressure Monitoring and Long-term Outcome after Traumatic Brain Injury Assessment Committee:Professor Christina Høi-Hansen (Chairperson)Professor Carsten Reides BjarkamAssociate professor Johan Undén Supervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Tina Nørgaard MunchClinical Professor Marianne JuhlerMD, PhD, Postdoc Morten Benjamin Bøgeskov AndresenClinical Associate Professor Alexander Lilja-Cyron MD, PhD, Klinikchef Morten Ziebell Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Neuroscience Place:Bygn. 12.1.104, Room: Auditorie 3, Universitetsparken 2, København Ø Email address to gain access to the thesis: sped0248@regionh.dkYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesisChildren are not small adults, yet paediatric-specific evidence to guide clinical decisions and inform long-term outcomes remains scarce. This PhD thesis by Sarah Hornshøj Pedersen addresses two critical gaps in paediatric neurosurgery: the perception of wireless brain pressure monitoring, and long-term educational outcome following childhood head injury. Through three studies, the thesis investigates wireless, implantable pressure sensors in children, exploring both technical feasibility and how children and parents experience living with such a device. Two further studies examine trends in childhood head injury rates over time and whether such injuries affect school performance and educational attainment in the years that follow. The findings have implications for future wireless brain pressure monitoring in children, and for awareness of potential educational challenges following childhood head injury."
"PhD defence by Maria Del Pilar Fernandez Montejo ";"";"2026-06-23";"14:00";"2026-06-23";"17:00";"Hybrid defence";"Optimising Lung Cancer Screening: A Sex-Specific Approach - Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers and Risk Stratification in a Population-Based Study in Denmark";"Optimising Lung Cancer Screening: A Sex-Specific Approach - Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers and Risk Stratification in a Population-Based Study in Denmark Assessment Committee:Associate professor Markus Fally, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Michael Stenger, University of Southern Denmark (SDU)Professor Haseem Ashraf, University of OsloSupervisors:Clinical Associate Professor Zaigham SaghirClinical Professor Uffe Christian Heitmann BødtgerPhD, MSc, Oncology nurse, RN, Project Manager Randi Jepsen Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme: Clinical Cancer Research Place:The defence is conducted as a hybrid defence. To attend the defence in persion:SUH, Nykøbing F., entrance 66, Room: Auditorium, Strandboulevarden 66, 4800 Nykøbing F. To attend the defence onlinePlease follow the link to attend the defence online: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/354354666311028?p=T6hdrQrpxEo42sOZKE Meeting ID, if relevant: 354 354 666 311 028Password, if relevant: gp2xk6be Email address to gain access to the thesis: mariadoctordenmark@gmail.com You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, largely because many cases are diagnosed too late for curative treatment. Low-dose CT screening can reduce mortality in high-risk individuals, but current screening criteria may not identify risk equally in women and men. This PhD thesis investigates how different lung cancer screening strategies perform in a Danish population, with a particular focus on sex-related differences. Using population-based cohorts and national health registries, the studies assess traditional screening criteria, risk prediction model approach, and systemic inflammatory biomarkers. The findings support the potential value of more individualised and equitable approaches to future lung cancer screening and risk assessment. "
"PhD defence by Emily Eufaula Beaman ";"";"2026-06-23";"14:00";"2026-06-23";"17:00";"Panum, 31.01.48a, Nørre Allé 20, 2200 København Ø";"GPR125 in the central nervous system";"GPR125 in the central nervous system Assessment Committee:Associate professor Hanne Borger Rasmussen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Connar Stanley James Westgate, Technical University of Denmark and Danish Headache Centre, RigshospitaletProfessor Dimitris Placantonakis, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Supervisors:Professor Mette RosenkildeAssociate Professor Trine Lisberg Toft Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programme:Neuroscience Place:Panum, Room: 31.01.48a, Nørre Allé 20, 2200 København Ø Email address to gain access to the thesis: emily.beaman@sund.ku.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:GPR125 is an orphan adhesion G protein-coupled receptor found throughout the body and brain. Within the central nervous system, its highest expression is in the choroid plexus, a tissue responsible for producing cerebral spinal fluid and maintaining a barrier between this and the peripheral blood stream.This thesis explores the role of GPR125 in the brain using knockout mice, and investigates whether viral proteins can interact with this receptor and be used to deliver drugs to the central nervous system."
"PhD defence by Nina Kornerup";"";"2026-06-24";"13:00";"2026-06-24";"16:00";"Panum, Adolf Hannover auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 København N";"Before the Beginning - Developing a randomised controlled trial and assessing preconception health in women living with excess body weight: insights from the PRE-STORK trial";"Before the Beginning - Developing a randomised controlled trial and assessing preconception health in women living with excess body weight: insights from the PRE-STORK trial Assessment Committee:Associate professor Kirstine Nyvold Bojsen-Møller (Chairperson)Professor Jens Melgaard BruunDr Hanna Emilia Huvinen Supervisors:Clinical Professor Tina VilsbøllGuest Researcher Louise Groth GrunnetProfessor Signe Sørensen Torekov Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Life Cycle in Medicine Place:Panum, Room: Adolf Hannover auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 København N Email address to gain access to the thesis: Ninakornerup@gmail.comYou will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Overweight and obesity before pregnancy increase the risk of complications for both mother and child, including gestational diabetes, pregnancy complications, and long-term adverse health outcomes. However, lifestyle interventions initiated during pregnancy have shown limited effects, suggesting that improving health before conception may be more effective. This PhD thesis is based on the PRE-STORK trial and investigates the health of women with overweight and obesity before and in early pregnancy. The thesis explores cardiometabolic health, mental health, and psychological factors that may influence lifestyle behaviours. The findings highlight that many women already have cardiometabolic and psychological risk factors before pregnancy and suggest that broader assessments beyond BMI alone may help improve future care and prevention strategies for both mothers and children."
"PhD defence by Marianne Gardar Stærk ";"";"2026-06-25";"14:00";"2026-06-25";"17:00";"7.2.A.B (Biografen), Kræftens Bekæmpelse, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, KBH Ø";"Aspects of penile cancer development - Exploring the role of penile lichen sclerosus and human papillomavirus in penile cancer";"Aspects of penile cancer development - Exploring the role of penile lichen sclerosus and human papillomavirus in penile cancer Assessment Committee:Professor Mikkel Mejlgaard Fode, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Jan Blaakær, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, DenmarkDr Kate Cuschieri, Lead HPV Research Group, Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh Supervisors:Clinical Professor Susanne Krüger KjærSenior Researcher Christian MunkClinical Teaching Associate Professor Birgitte Grønkær Toft Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Public Health and Epidemiology Place:Room: 7.2.A.B (Biografen), Kræftens Bekæmpelse, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, KBH Ø Email address to gain access to the thesis: staerk.marianne@gmail.com You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Penile cancer is among the rarer malignancies with an average of 77 new penile cancers diagnosed each year in Denmark. Most of these cancers are squamous cell carcinomas arising in the squamous epithelium of the glans or foreskin of the penis. The existing literature underscores two major etiological pathways for penile cancer: A pathway related to persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection and a pathway related to local chronic inflammation such as penile lichen sclerosus (LSc). Due to the rarity of this cancer, there is a scarcity in large-scale and population-based data on penile LSc and HPV in penile cancer development. The overall aim of this thesis was to provide data based on large-scale studies to explore the role of penile lichen sclerosus, representing the chronic inflammatory pathway, and HPV in penile cancer."
"PhD defence: Thorbjørn Marciniak Nielsen";"";"2026-06-26";"13:00";"2026-06-26";"16:00";"Kræftens Bekæmpelse, 5.S.B.C, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen";"Selective degradation of mRNA by autophagy";"Selective degradation of mRNA by autophagy Assessment Committee:Professor Marja Jäättelä (Chairperson)Professor Fulvio Mario ReggioriAssociate professor Vassiliki Nikoletopoulou Supervisors:Associate Professor Lisa FrankelProfessor Peter Brodersen Department: BRIC Graduate Programme:Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Place:Kræftens Bekæmpelse, Room: 5.S.B.C, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100 Copenhagen Ask for a copy of the thesis: thorbjorn.mnielsen@gmail.com "
"PhD defence by Elias Frost Wiwe ";"";"2026-06-26";"14:00";"2026-06-26";"17:00";"Indgang 50b, Auditoriet, Nordsjællands Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød";"SARS-CoV-2 Antigen and Antibody Kinetics - Infection, Vaccination, and Long-Term Immunity";"SARS-CoV-2 Antigen and Antibody Kinetics - Infection, Vaccination, and Long-Term Immunity Assessment Committee:Professor Thomas Lars Benfield, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Martin Tolstrup, University of AarhusProfessor Heli Harvala, University of Turku Supervisors:Clinical Professor Thea Kølsen FischerAssociate professor Thore HilligMD, PhD Young Bae Villy Lee HansenClinical Professor Zitta F B Barrella HarboeClinical Associate Professor Casper Roed Department: Department of Public Health Graduate Programme:Immunology and Infectious Diseases Place:Indgang 50b, Room: Auditoriet, Nordsjællands Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød Email address to gain access to the thesis: elias.frost.wiwe@dadlnet.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:The thesis concerns clinical laboratory research on COVID-19 based on the ""North Zealand COVID-19 Cohort"", a local laboratory-based cohort of approximately 3,000 infected individuals. The studies are based on analyses of thousands of biobank samples combined with national registry data and advanced statistical modeling.The first study shows that different antibody assays may produce substantial measurement differences, particularly early in the disease course.The second study demonstrates a gradual association between antibody levels and protection against reinfection, without a clear protective threshold.The third study shows that circulating viral protein in hospitalized patients is associated with persistent inflammation and increased mortality.Overall, the thesis contributes to a more nuanced understanding of immunity, disease course, and biomarkers in COVID-19."
"PhD defence by Hannes Linder ";"";"2026-06-29";"13:00";"2026-06-29";"16:00";"Herlev Hospital, Lille Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, Opgang 1, 2730 Herlev";"Exploring Novel Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Cancer";"Exploring Novel Mechanisms of Immunosuppression in Cancer Assessment Committee:Professor Anders Woetmann Andersen, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Associate professor Daniela De Zio, University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Danish Cancer Institute (DCI)Professor Jürgen C. Becker, University Hospital Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Supervisors:Clinical Professor Daniel Hargbøl MadsenGroup Leader Per Thor Straten Department: Department of Immunology and Microbiology Graduate Programme:Immunology and Infectious Diseases Place:Herlev Hospital, Room: Lille Auditorium, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, Opgang 1, 2730 Herlev Email address to gain access to the thesis: hannes.linder@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Cancer immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment by enabling the immune system to recognize and attack tumors. However, only a minority of patients benefit from current immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade, largely due to immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. This Ph.D. thesis identifies and characterizes two novel immunosuppressive molecules, SERPINA3 and SLAMF8, that are induced in cancer cells in response to T cell-mediated immune attack and contribute to immune escape. Using in vitro and in vivo cancer models, the study demonstrates that targeting these molecules enhances anti-tumor immune responses and improves the efficacy of existing immunotherapies. The findings highlight promising new therapeutic targets that may help improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy."
"PhD defence by Rikke Krabek";"";"2026-06-29";"14:00";"2026-06-29";"17:00";"Mærsk Tower, building 13, Nielsine Nielsen Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N";"Muscle loss in patients with gastroesophageal cancer; extent, clinical implications, and exercise-based treatment.";"Muscle loss in patients with gastroesophageal cancer; extent, clinical implications, and exercise-based treatment. Assessment Committee:Professor Julie Gehl, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)Professor Signe Borgquist, Aarhus University HospitalProfessor Anne May, University Medical Center Utrecht Supervisors:Clinical Professor Bente Klarlund PedersenSenior Consultant Paul Morten Mau-SørensenGruppeleder, PhD Casper SimonsenAssociate Professor Lykke Sylow Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Clinical Cancer Research Place:Mærsk Tower, building 13, Room: Nielsine Nielsen Auditoriet, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N Email address to gain access to the thesis: cfas.rigshospitalet@regionh.dk You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy. Short description of the thesis:Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss and progressive alterations in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, contributing to reduced physical function, impaired treatment tolerance, and poor clinical outcomes. Patients with gastroesophageal cancer are particularly vulnerable to these changes, yet their development and clinical significance remain incompletely understood. This PhD thesis investigates longitudinal changes in body composition in patients with gastroesophageal cancer and examines their associations with survival, treatment outcomes, and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, it evaluates the potential of exercise and nutritional interventions to mitigate adverse body composition changes. By advancing our understanding of cancer-associated wasting, this work contributes to the evidence base for improving supportive care and clinical management of patients with gastroesophageal cancer."
"PhD defence: Sif Binder Larsen";"";"2026-07-09";"13:00";"2026-07-09";"16:00";"Opgang 44, Rigshospitalet, Auditorium 1, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø";"Metatarsalgia: Intermetatarsal bursitis or Morton's neuroma";"Metatarsalgia: Intermetatarsal bursitis or Morton's neuroma Assessment Committee:Professor Andreas Kjær (Chairperson)Associate professor Malene Roland PedersenAssociate professor Maria Cöster Supervisors:Clinical Professor Michael Bachmann NielsenOverlæge Søren Torp-Pedersen Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Medical and Molecular Imaging Place:Opgang 44, Rigshospitalet, Room: Auditorium 1, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø Ask for a copy of the thesis: binderlarsen@gmail.com "
"SDG Innovation Challenge 2026";"UCPH Lighthouse and School of Global Health";"2026-08-20";"09:00";"2026-08-24";"17:00";"UCPH Lighthouse, Tagensvej 16A, 2200 Copenhagen N";"Are you ready to test your creativity and problem‑solving skills?";"Are you ready to test your creativity and problem‑solving skills? Register for free here. From 20–24 August 2026, the University of Copenhagen invites students from all disciplines and universities to make a difference at the SDG Innovation Challenge at UCPH Lighthouse. For five immersive days, students work in multidisciplinary teams to design solutions to real‑world sustainability challenges linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. No matter your field of study, your perspective matters. This year’s challenge In 2026, we turn our attention to Kibera, Africa’s largest informal settlement. Life in Kibera is shaped by complex challenges – and by remarkable strength, creativity, and community resilience. Our case provider, 100% for the Children, is a Danish NGO working to improve the lives of children and young people in Kibera. Among other things, they work on access to menstrual products for girls and women, community adoptation of biogas, access to clean water and santitation, as well as sexual education for children living with disability. The specific case will be revealed on day one – but expect a task that’s real, relevant, and deeply meaningful. See previous years’ challenges here: https://globalhealth.ku.dk/innovation/ How could your solution grow? This is the 12th edition of UCPH’s global health innovation challenge, now part of the Sustainability Olympiad – a global network connecting student innovators worldwide. Two teams from the event will be given the opportunity to pitch their solutions to an international jury at the European Regional Final of the Sustainability Olympiad August 27-28. Winners qualify for the Global Sustainability Olympiad in Geneva 6-9 November 2026. Learn more about the Sustainability Olympiad here: https://www.sdgolympiad.net/ Who can join? All university students – bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD – across faculties, universities, and countries are invited to apply. We create diverse teams to ensure a wide range of perspectives come together in powerful, innovative ways. Your hosts The challenge is organized by the School of Global Health and UCPH Lighthouse, and supported by the 4EU+ University Alliance. Case provider: 100% for the Children. Up for the Challenge? Sign up before 6 August 2026 to secure your spot. Program Over five days, teams are guided by an experienced innovation consultant through a full design sprint. The programme includes hands‑on training in ideation, prototyping, social innovation, and pitching. 20 August: Welcome, introduction to the SDG Innovation Challenge and case provider, inspiration talks, team formation, and kickoff of the design sprint. 21 August: Deep dive into the case with expert inputs, ideation sessions, and continued work on problem framing and solution concepts. 22 August: Weekend workday – teams develop and refine their solutions independently, with optional guidance and materials available. 23 August: Optional continuation of team work or free time to explore Copenhagen for participants visiting from abroad. 24 August: Final preparations and pitch training in the morning, followed by final pitches to an expert jury in the afternoon. If you have any questions, please reach out to the School of Global Health on sgh@sund.ku.dk"
"PhD defence: Anne Sofie Mosborg Aggestrup";"";"2026-09-03";"13:00";"2026-09-03";"16:00";" CSS, Building 1, Room: 18, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 København K";" Bridging the Sector Gap: A Co-Designed Intervention Framework for Depression Recovery and Relapse Prevention";"Bridging the Sector Gap: A Co-Designed Intervention Framework for Depression Recovery and Relapse Prevention Assessment Committee:Professor Julie Midtgaard (Chairperson)Professor Rikke JørgensenProfessor Aslak Steinsbekk Supervisors:Clinical Professor Klaus MartinyEmerita Annette Sofie Davidsen Department: Department of Clinical Medicine Graduate Programme:Medicine, Culture and Society Place:CSS, Building 1, Room: 18, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 København K Ask for a copy of the thesis: annesofie@aggestrup.dk"