HoD News - 15 November 2021

Niels Haldrup
Head of Department Niels Haldrup

Dear colleagues,

During the last couple of weeks and during this week, I have met or will meet with sections to provide an overview of the BSS economy model. I also discuss the current financial situation of the department and the potential challenges that we can face in the coming years. Some elements of the budget for 2022-2025 depend on structural outside given factors, most of which we cannot change or decide the outcome of. One of the uncertain factors initiated by the government relates to the reduction of admissions to our educations as well as possible relocation of educations. An outline of the draft institutional plan for Aarhus University was announced last week (link), and a local process for commenting on the draft in the academic councils and the relevant liaison committees is now taking place. For your information, ECON educations are not part of the current considerations. Whether the detailed proposal of the university will be approved by the government and the political parties has yet to be determined; this follows a political process to decide how relocations and admission reductions will be implemented nationwide. 

As also mentioned in this week’s ECON newsletter, the deadline for reporting publications published in 2021 is approaching (15 January 2022). We all have an important role when it comes to registering our research and publications in PURE, and it has a very significant impact on the financial situation of the department. These figures are included in the total research production of AU, Aarhus BSS and, of course, ECON, and the BFI "production” is used to allocate basic research funding to our department, so please remember to register your publications in PURE and check any changes in the publication status.

December is fast approaching, which means Christmas get-togethers with family, friends and colleagues. Considering the latest development of COVID-19 and the rise in infection numbers, the management team has decided to downscale this year’s department Christmas event. On Monday 20 December, æbleskiver, risalamande, mulled wine and Christmas beers will be served in the Department’s lunchroom. Please follow the link below to sign up:

ECON Christmas Get-Together 2021 (au.dk)

Lastly, I will ask you to note Thursday 31 March 2022 in your calendar. The management is planning a one-day departmental meeting at Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Aarhus in the city centre. All ECON employees, PhD students included, are invited for this day in the spring. The theme(s) for the day as well as a formal invitation and sign-up information will follow soon.  

Niels Haldrup