Af Lea Laursen Pasgaard, AAU Communication. Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication. Photo: Jacob Nielsen, DM

More than ever, the public debate needs to be informed by knowledge. It needs to inform people about research projects that offer hope for the future such as green energy, better treatments, and greater well-being among young people.

Therefore, as of 1 October, Aalborg University has hired Jakob Elkjær in a newly created position ‘head of press’. He will set the strategic direction for the university's press work and ensure that AAU's research and degree programmes are a central focus in the Danish media and that we have a presence in the international media.

Jakob Elkjær comes with many years of experience in journalism, communication and management – from national newspapers, specialist media and politics. Most recently, he was Head of Press in FH – Danish Trade Union Confederation.

- I am really looking forward to working with Jakob. He has a very pro-active style and a keen eye for reading the news and setting the agenda in the public debate. At the same time, he is used to navigating and collaborating across political organizations. I am sure he can help develop and lift the university's presence in the public debate to new heights, says Susse Maria Holst, Vice Director for Communication at AAU.

Purpose is important

Jakob Elkjær will lead the press team in the university's new, unified communication division and will work on both the Copenhagen and Aalborg campuses. He is looking forward to starting the job and initially will spend his time getting to know his new team and the academic environments.

- I can see myself in AAU's strategy on contributing to a sustainable world and working in a mission-oriented way. More knowledge is needed in the public debate. AAU's profile is based in the real world with a focus on finding solutions to real societal problems. This is a good starting point for being seen and heard in the media, so I’m really looking forward to finding the good stories and getting them across to the public in close dialogue with the research groups and study environments, says Jakob Elkjær.

AAU's new head of press is 57 years old, born and raised in Vordingborg and currently lives in Østerbro in Copenhagen. In his spare time, Jakob Elkjær spins vinyl as a DJ at Mesteren & Lærlingen and other Copenhagen hot spots. He is part of the DJ collective Rhythmtilsynet and a particular supporter of dance music in the genres of soul and funk.