CORC has an important mission. The large interdisciplinary research centre will generate new knowledge and technologies for CO₂ capture and conversion, enabling its storage in physical products or its use in a circular carbon economy. The ambition is for the research centre to establish the foundation for solutions that will help address climate change.

From 1 March, the centre will be under new leadership. Lasse Rosendahl, professor and head of department at AAU energy, has been appointed Executive Director of the Novo Nordisk Foundation CO₂ Research Centre.

"CORC represents an extraordinary opportunity to create real impact within a relevant timeframe and in a crucial field. The centre has strong research collaborations, resources to do the right things and a focus on value chains and partnerships that will help extend our research to where it can create change for ordinary people," says Lasse Rosendahl, adding that his knowledge of CORC through his current position meant he had no doubts when the opportunity to lead the research centre arose:

"We must set the agenda. We need to bridge the gap between outstanding basic research, engineering, and ultimately national and international companies that can scale up the solutions. This is what drives me."

Lasse Rosendahl describes himself as a culture- and values-driven leader who prefers to articulate objectives rather than issue orders.

"As a leader, I am present. Both physically and mentally. I want to understand the internal organisation and the roles that each staff member plays. I'm looking forward to meeting the staff and getting to know them. Once I’ve settled in and understood the organisation, I will set a direction – perhaps fine-tuning some of our initiatives. But the initial period will be spent listening, learning and understanding – only then can we develop a plan."

Networks and experience inspire confidence in major outcomes

Natural Sciences, one of the two faculties hosting CORC alongside Technical Sciences, has warmly welcomed Lasse Rosendahl's appointment.

"I look forward to working with Lasse and am particularly excited about how his extensive experience in applied and mission-driven research in sustainable solutions will help establish CORC as one of the world's leading research centres for CO₂ capture and utilisation," says Birgit Schiøtt, dean of Natural Sciences.

The appointment is for the duration of CORC's existence, and Lasse Rosendahl will hold a fallback position as professor at Technical Sciences. Dean of Technical Sciences Eskild Holm Nielsen particularly appreciates the new leader's experience across the value chain.

"Lasse Rosendahl is an experienced leader with a large network both nationally and internationally. He has experience in all the relevant academic fields and a keen eye for advancing research from laboratories to industry," says Eskild Holm Nielsen, dean of Technical Sciences.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation, which has funded CORC, is also pleased that the new management of the research centre is now in place.

“We are delighted that Aarhus University has succeeded in attracting someone of Lasse Rosendahl's calibre, who brings substantial experience in mission-driven research and extensive networks across both academia and industry. We look forward to following the CO₂ centre's work in the coming years – they have an incredibly important task ahead," says Claus Felby, director at the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Lasse Rosendahl starts on 1 March. Erik Østergaard Jensen, who is acting head of CORC, will stay on at the research centre until the end of April to ensure a smooth handover.

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Lasse Rosendahl has two adult children and one grandchild. He enjoys outdoor pursuits and nature – kayaking, cycling and hiking. He lives in Aalborg but is considering finding a second home in Aarhus to reduce his daily commute.