”We are pleased that you have found time to visit us here at Health, Morten. We have a few things we want to boast about and some constructive criticism. So I look forward to an interesting and fruitful dialogue on our common interests,” began Dean Allan Flyvbjerg.

Together with the four vice-deans and Professor Henrik Toft Sørensen, MD, he met with the Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education Morten Østergaard in AIAS' premises at Aarhus University on Monday 4 November 2013.

The study progress reform threatens the research year

One of the items on the agenda was quality and coherence in the educational system. Here the discussion with the Minister focused on the new study progress reform.

The desire to have the young students complete their education quicker is a challenge for Medicine and Odontology. Here the students have the possibility of taking a research year as part of their education. But a whole year dedicated to research conflicts with the desire to have students complete their education quicker.

”A good example is the research year scheme we have here at Health, which can be threatened by the study progress reform. We have to find a solution so that the students can avoid getting caught in the middle. And this applies both in relation to running into trouble with their grant and in relation to any catching up they might have after their research leave is over,” said Vice-Dean for Talent Development Lise Wogensen Bach.

”The aim of the reform is to change the study culture so we have more focused study programmes. But we must also take into account the consequences you mention here. We will take your input home and take a closer look,” said Morten Østergaard. 

The integrated model is unique

Another topic at the meeting was the close collaboration between AU and the Central Denmark Region. Morten Østergaard was impressed with both the model and the boost that the regional hospitals have received since AU took over responsibility for the local research. The new university clinics are a good examples of this. 

In continuation of the discussion about health cooperation in the Central Denmark Region, the new opportunities for joint positions were also mentioned. And both the management at Health and the Minister agreed that focus must be on life-long learning and collaboration with both the region and industry. All to ensure the best possible treatment for patients and the best possible career paths for talented researchers.

”I am pleased with the specific inputs. Visiting you at Health has been both instructive and rewarding,” said Morten Østergaard, before he continued to Horsens and a new meeting.