By David Graff, AAU Communication & Public Affairs. Photo: Nis Ovesen.

Strong academic environments and a proud tradition of problem-based learning. According to Nis Ovesen, the incoming Vice Dean for Education at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, these are the obvious starting points for taking the faculty's degree programmes to the next level.

"These two points are a fantastic starting point for further developing the faculty's role at a time when the world needs skilled and responsible engineers," says Nis Ovesen, who has a background as a civil engineer in industrial design.

Strong starting point with growth potential

According to Dean Jesper Wengel, Nis Ovesen steps in at a favourable time when the growth potential is great:

"Aalborg University's engineering programs and research are ranked at the global top in various rankings. It is a testimony that we are in a good place and that strong work has been done over decades. At the same time, we have the space and willingness to educate even more of the highly sought-after graduates and continuously adapt the programs to the needs of the outside world," he says and continues:

"Nis is the right person to lead this effort due to his strategic overview, practical experience in managing education, research and development, and his track record of creating common direction in complex organizations."   

Experience from the sister faculty

Nis Ovesen gained his first experience as a leader at the Department of Architecture & Media Technology at ENGINEERING's sister faculty, the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, where, after several years as a teacher and researcher, he became deputy head of department and director of studies from 2018 to 2024. 

"The fact that I don't come from one of the environments at ENGINEERING is a strength, I think. Hopefully, I see things with new eyes, and I am curious about how we can create even closer collaboration between the strong environments at the faculty, across the university and with external parties."

According to Nis Ovesen, cross-disciplinary collaboration is not least crucial to succeed in what he considers a must-do:

"We must dare to rethink both structure and form in our educations, without compromising on quality and the PBL foundation. We must find the right and difficult balance between solid, sustainable educational offers and new ways to make room for lifelong learning, digitalisation and collaboration with the outside world. It requires courage, cooperation, and a common narrative that our educational programs are not just knowledge for the world, but knowledge together with the world," he says.

Education – a matter close to the heart

Nis Ovesen is returning "home" to Aalborg University after two years as head of research and development at UCN – and there is primarily one reason for that: Education is a matter close to his heart. 

"I am passionate about strategic education development and creating education that makes a real difference for both students and society."

The fact that the universities are in the middle of the implementation of different reforms and other major changes does not make the task any less attractive for Nis Ovesen, who sees the current challenges as a starting point for new thinking. 

Initially, he is looking forward to meeting the faculty's staff, managers and students and listening to their perspectives and ideas. 

"I thrive as a person and lead best when I can help create a framework where others succeed, and I believe that development should take place in dialogue with those who know the task best. Therefore, I look forward to discussing how we can best strengthen recruitment, further develop the continuing education area and exploit the potential of digitalization and flexible learning methods with people across the organization."

"And I look forward to helping strengthen the narrative that surrounds ENGINEERING – both internally and externally," concludes Nis Ovesen.

Nis Ovesen is 44 years old and lives with Mette and their two children in Aalborg.