Three AAU professors honoured with royal order of chivalry

By Lea Laursen Pasgaard AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photos: Lasse Møller Badstue

This year, three professors at AAU received the Royal Order of Chivalry: the Order of Dannebrog. They are: Professor Lone Kørnøv, Department of Sustainability and Planning; Professor Poul Duedahl, Department of Politics and Society; and Professor and Vice Head of Department Winnie Jensen, Department of Health Science and Technology.

"For Aalborg University, it is of crucial importance to have employees who not only excel in their academic field, but also have the ability to make a difference in society in general. The three professors have done this in an impressive way, which their new title of honour testifies to," says Rector Per Michael Johansen.

To celebrate the decorations, the rector invited the three professors to lunch with the Executive Management on 16 December. The Executive Managers had the opportunity to congratulate the three researchers on the Knight's Crosses and on the same occasion also wished them and each other a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Professor Lone Kørnøv

Lone Kørnøv, Professor at AAU and head of the Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment, has with her dedication, innovative approach and significant research not only contributed scientifically, but has also had a remarkable impact on the handling of some of society's most pressing sustainability challenges. Lone Kørnøv is a leading researcher in the field of environmental assessment, and she has been of crucial importance to the field for decades. Her great strength and passion is the combination of research and societal impact. Through her open dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders, Lone Kørnøv has managed to build bridges between science and society in extraordinary and exemplary ways, and her work serves as a model for how research can be a driver of positive change.

Read more about Lone Kørnøv and her research here

Professor Poul Duedahl

Poul Duedahl is Professor of Modern History at the Department of Politics and Society at AAU. Poul Duedahl's entire work is imbued with what he considers his democratic obligation, i.e. to equip his fellow citizens in the best possible way to understand the background for the organization of society. He is a frequently used and highly appreciated consultant for public authorities, television companies, non-fiction and fiction writers, and his work has made a difference for many people over the years. Most recently, he has been a member of the commission set up by the Ministry of Social Affairs, which in September 2023 led to an official apology – to former inmates – for abuse committed in the institutions of special care.

Read more about Poul Duedahl and his research here

Professor Winnie Jensen

During her career, Professor Winnie Jensen has distinguished herself as an outstanding

researcher, a committed teacher and a dedicated research leader in the management at the Department of Health Science and Technology at AAU. Winnie Jensen has demonstrated outstanding expertise in her research field of Neural Engineering and Neurophysiology, thus contributing significantly to improving the quality of life for people with sensory and motor impairments. Her pioneering work as a researcher in rehabilitation technology has had an significant impact on the field and has opened new doors for research through the development of innovative, implantable technological solutions compatible with human physiology.

Read more about Winnie Jensen and her research here