University of Copenhagen launches AI Package to bolster Denmark for the age of AI
Artificial intelligence moved from lab demos to daily tools in record time. Large corporations outside Europe now set much of the pace. To make AI serve democracy, public health, and climate goals, the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is launching a new AI Package that brings its expertise to more of society.
The package unites major UCPH efforts - including the Pioneer Centre for AI, the National Centre for AI in Society (CAISA), and work across Denmark's universities - under a cross-university initiative called UCPH AI. The focus is clear: freedom of research, ethics, and democratic values.
"We want to bolster Denmark for an age with AI," says David Dreyer Lassen, Rector of the University of Copenhagen. He emphasizes that UCPH will put its research to work so Denmark and Europe can influence how AI is developed and applied - responsibly, sustainably, and in the public interest.
What the AI Package includes
- UCPH AI (cross-university hub): A single front door that coordinates research and education in AI across disciplines and institutions, grounded in academic freedom, ethics, and public value.
- EU strategy engagement: Active participation in the EU's ApplyAI and AI in Science initiatives to strengthen responsible and advanced use of AI in research and industry. See the European Commission's AI policy overview here.
- Stronger collaboration: Tighter links between AI researchers across Danish universities, and deeper partnerships with companies, public authorities, foundations, and other stakeholders - so university knowledge benefits all parts of society.
- Continuing and professional education: New offerings to build AI literacy in the public and private sectors and meet the growing need for skills.
- Steering group: A 14-member team of prominent AI researchers and professionals will set direction, with a strong focus on collaboration in Denmark and abroad.
Why this matters for scientists and research leaders
The initiative connects core technical fields with the humanities and social sciences - quantum technology and computer science alongside philosophy, ethics, social sciences, cultural heritage, and law. That breadth helps research move from theory to tested solutions that hold up in real settings.
Participation in EU-level initiatives will link Danish projects with shared methods and infrastructure, which can speed up transfer from research to industry and the public sector. It also raises the bar on responsibility, transparency, and trust - areas where universities must lead.
Eva Hoffmann, Prorector for Research and Innovation, underscores that UCPH intends to be a partner to help Denmark deal with AI's social and economic effects. She points to the university's broad academic base as its key advantage.
How to engage now
- Researchers: Connect with UCPH AI to propose cross-institutional projects and plug into method development, evaluation, and field deployments.
- Companies and public authorities: Partner on pilots and testbeds, contribute real use cases and datasets where appropriate, and co-develop evaluation criteria and governance practices.
- Educators and team leads: Plan AI literacy programs across roles. For structured upskilling by job function, explore curated options here.
- Stay close to the conversation: The AI in Science 2025 Conference begins Monday, 3 November, at the Bella Center in Copenhagen, hosted by UCPH.
"We are committed to making our best research and academic breadth available. The AI Package is both an invitation to greater collaboration and a pledge that we will use our knowledge to advance a technology that makes society wiser, more resilient, and more humane," says David Dreyer Lassen.
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