DCA and DCE: Analysis will pave the way for the structure of the future
The two centre units, DCA and DCE, may be facing organisational changes in the future.
The Tech Dean’s Office has decided to initiate an analysis to explore how DCA and DCE can best be organised going forward. One part of the task is to assess whether a joint structure under a single director could be beneficial.
"The analysis must lead to a basis for decision-making so that we can make the best decision about the future organisational model", says Ole Hertel, vice-dean for outreach.
The idea of looking at the future structure comes after a process in which it has not been possible to recruit a new centre director to DCA. The position became vacant at the end of 2024 and has since been filled by an acting director.
But there are also other reasons to look at a common structure for the two centre units, which frame the public sector consultancy that Aarhus University primarily provides to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Green Transition.
A memo distributed by Ole Hertel to staff at both centres highlights the growing interdisciplinary collaboration between employees, and notes that the creation of the Ministry for the Green Tripartite Agreement means both centres now share the same primary partner.
"It is only an organizational change that we are considering, not a physical merger. The employees will still have their current workplaces in Viborg, Roskilde and Aarhus, and we are not looking to save money or employees. We would like to investigate whether we can strengthen the counselling by having the disciplines in the two current centres work more closely together", says Ole Hertel.
The analysis process begins this October and will be led by Ole Hertel, with involvement from staff and managers at DCA and DCE, as well as heads of department from AGRO, ECOS, and FOOD. The process is supported by AU HR, Tech HR, and an external consultant appointed by AU HR.
The goal is to complete the analysis by early 2026, enabling the faculty to make a decision about the future organisation of the centre area before Easter.
About DCA and DCE
DCA and DCE serve as the primary entry points for authorities requesting research-based consultancy under the framework agreement between Aarhus University and the Danish state. This consultancy covers areas such as food, agriculture, climate, nature, environment, and energy. The two centres receive requests, coordinate the work, and contribute to quality assurance in collaboration with relevant research environments and departments.
DCA – Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture includes AU departments with research activities in agriculture and food, and provides consultancy in plant production, animal production, food quality, and consumer behaviour.
DCE – Danish Centre for Environment and Energy delivers consultancy in nature, environment, and energy, based on research from AU’s Department of Ecoscience and Department of Environmental Science.
The main partners for DCA and DCE are the Ministry for the Green Transition, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Food. The centres also serve other public authorities in Denmark and Greenland, as well as businesses and organisations seeking impartial, research-based consultancy.
Source: dca.au.dk and dce.au.dk