At the gala dinner concluding PhD Day 2025, two of Health’s dedicated PhD supervisors, Associate Professor Oleguer Plana-Ripoll from the Department of Clinical Medicine and Associate Professor Louise Hauge Matzen from the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health, were honored in front of colleagues and students.

For the first time since the prize's establishment in 2012, the JCD Prize was awarded to two supervisors due to a tie among the nominees.

According to the nominations submitted by their students, both awardees are distinguished by their remarkable ability to balance research, teaching, and supervision. Moreover, they create a supportive environment for their students, where both academic and personal challenges are taken seriously.

Supervision is an extension of my research

Louise Hauge Matzen, an associate professor and section leader, sees supervision as an integral part of her work.

"My research focuses on optimizing the use of imaging techniques in dentistry to ensure precise diagnostics and treatments. I see supervision as a natural extension of my research because it’s about ensuring that PhD students have the strongest foundation possible to succeed in their work," she explains.

Oleguer Plana-Ripoll’s research focuses on psychiatric and social epidemiology, focusing for example on the associations between psychiatric disorders and socioeconomic factors.

"I love working with data and uncovering patterns that can enhance our understanding of mental health. But just as important to me is being present for the students, whether it’s about academic challenges or their overall well-being," he says.

Focus on presence and balance

During the gala dinner, the supervisors were praised for their ability to balance research, supervision, and the well-being of their students.

"I place great importance on ensuring that my students experience a good balance between their research and private lives. It’s important to me that they thrive as whole individuals and have room for a life outside the lab," says Louise Hauge Matzen.

Oleguer Plana-Ripoll agrees.

"For me, good supervision is about adapting to the individual student. Sometimes, it’s about giving them space for reflection, and other times, it’s about being a steadfast mentor who can guide them through tough periods. One piece of advice that I received and that I always give to my students is that they should take ownership of their calendars and not let their calendars own them. Otherwise, life as a PhD student – or as academic in general – can become incredibly stressful," he says.

Both awardees regard supervision as a core responsibility. However, they acknowledge that it requires time and commitment, which can be challenging to accommodate in a busy academic life.

"It can be difficult to balance supervision with research and leadership tasks in a hectic schedule. Often, my own research gets deprioritized. But for me, it’s all worth the effort when I see my students thrive and succeed," says Louise Hauge Matzen.

Recognition from students is something very special

According to the two supervisors, receiving the JCD Prize is a great honor, especially because it is the students themselves who nominate candidates.

"I’ve never had a great need for awards or recognition, but the JCD Prize is different. Being nominated by my students is an incredible acknowledgment and proof that they value my work," says Louise Hauge Matzen.

Oleguer Plana-Ripoll adds, "It’s a huge pat on the back that confirms my work makes a difference for the students. I’m still relatively new to the role of supervisor, so receiving recognition like this so early in my career means a lot. My own supervisors during my studies, especially during my postdoc, had a profound impact on my career, so this is a responsibility I take very seriously."

This year’s awardees share the 25,000 DKK prize money that accompanies the JCD Prize.

Contact

Associate Professor and Section Leader Louise Hauge Matzen
Aarhus University, Department of Dentistry and Oral Health
Phone: +45 61 71 13 82
Email: louise.hauge.matzen@dent.au.dk

Associate Professor Oleguer Plana-Ripoll
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine and
Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Clinical Epidemiology
Phone: +45 87 16 60 34
Email: opr@clin.au.dk