News from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences – University of Copenhagen

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Danes find it hard to talk about sex: How to boost the conversation through science

A quarter of the Danish population find it difficult to talk about sex. Our inability to talk about it is bad for our sexual health and enjoyment of life in general – but all’s not lost, says a researcher.

Paracetamol’s mystery unfolded as researchers identify blood vessel metabolism

A study in rats discovers a new way paracetamol is metabolized in the body, providing crucial insights to safer use of the drug in hospital.

Ancient pollen may be a key to protecting nature in the future

The Villum Foundation funds a SUND project investigating the impact of climate change on a vital natural phenomenon known as mass flowering.

SUND researcher receives major prize for his innovative cancer research and use of AI

Professor and Senior Consultant Ismail Gögenur receives the 2025 Marie and August Krogh Prize for his innovative approach and enormous contribution to cancer research.

AI, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s: Brain research at SUND receives major grants

Two neuroscience research projects at SUND receive grants from the Lundbeck Foundation. A total of nine researchers are a part of four supported projects.

Eske Willerslev found the past in two grams of soil. His finding gives us a window into the future

As a student, Professor Eske Willerslev had an idea: He wanted to extract DNA directly from the soil. This has led to major scientific breakthroughs and an entire new research field, eDNA, for which he now receives one…

Diabetes and hormone disorder research receives millions in funding

The Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy supports new research into diabetes and hormone-related research at SUND.

New effective treatment for deadly cancer may be on its way

A new advanced form of treatment for one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, pancreatic cancer, may be on its way, research from the University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet shows. It has the potential to increase…

New research lighthouse to focus on developing better food and medicine

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University receive DKK 39.4 million to establish a new research center focusing on the potential of neutron-based methods to revolutionize pharmaceutical and food…

Textbooks need to be rewritten: RNA, not DNA, is the main cause of acute sunburn

Sunburn has traditionally been attributed to UV-induced DNA damage. However, a new study by the University of Copenhagen and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, reveals that RNA, another vital cellular molecule…

antibiotic resistance

Bacteria use a surprising anti-missile defense-like system to fend off viruses

Particularly in the fight against antibiotic resistance, the new findings from the University of Copenhagen could lead to enhanced efficacy of treatments with viruses to fight infection, researchers explain.

Researchers discover the pump for the brain’s ‘washing machine’

When we sleep, waste products are removed from our brain. Now, researchers from the University of Copenhagen have learned what drives the process.

SUND researchers receive nearly 14 million for basic research

With this autumn's grants from the Carlsberg Foundation, 10 SUND researchers receive a total of nearly DKK 14 million for research on, among other things, the importance of musicians and animals for humans during…

Researchers cure mysterious, deadly skin disease with groundbreaking technology

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have helped cure a life-threatening skin disease in seven patients with the help of advanced protein analysis.

Diversity in research strengthened by millions in funding for female researchers

Six female SUND researchers receive a total of 18 million for new research. In addition to supporting interesting research projects, the funding aims to improve the gender balance in research environments.

Newly discovered mechanism in the cell’s energy factory can lead to new treatment of muscle disorders

Researchers have discovered a mechanism in our cells essential to energy production in the muscles. It may lead to new treatment of disorders affecting the muscles.

Playing football with your friends can lead to a healthy old age

Moderate physical activity can help protect the nerve cells and thus foster healthy ageing, research from the University of Copenhagen and Bispebjerg Hospital shows – and it doesn’t have to be high-performance sports.

ERC grant funds research to support weight loss maintenance

Associate Professor Christoffer Clemmensen from the University of Copenhagen has received an ERC Consolidator Grant for a project that aims to develop new therapeutic interventions that will help people maintain weight…

Funding for research into quinoa and brain health in the elderly

The Independent Research Fund Denmark supports two projects at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences focussing on green research and the elderly.

Millions in funding for mental health research

The Independent Research Fund Denmark funds 20 projects at SUND focussing on psychiatry, marginalised children and youth, poor well-being and loneliness.

New study shows promising results for COPD treatment

A new study carried out by researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Bispebjerg Hospital shows that a form of vitamin B3 can reduce lung inflammation in COPD patients.