Text and photos by Charlotte Tybjerg Sørensen, translated by Cirkeline Kappel and LeeAnn Iovanni AAU

Søren Dosenrode has left a deep footprint at Aalborg University. As a researcher, teacher, head of department, head of studies, co-creator of the Kaj Munk Research Centre, chair of the board of Aalborg University Press – among other things.

Søren Dosenrode graduated from the University of Copenhagen with a cand.phil. in social studies in 1987. He came to Aalborg University in 1994 from the University of Zurich in Switzerland where he had received his dr. phil. in political science in 1992 and was employed as a researcher and teacher. He was was involved in international areas – particularly the EU – at AAU. Along with his colleague Staffan Zetterholm, Associate Professor he established – and became head of studies for – the international professional master's programme European Studies.

- It was the first international professional master's programme in the humanities and social sciences in Denmark, and this, along with the Kaj Munk Research Centre, is one of the things I have been most happy about in my years at Aalborg University, says Søren Dosenrode.

Where is Europe going?

Europe was also the topic of Søren Dosenrode's farewell lecture 'Quo Vadis EUropa', on 12 May. He talked about how Europe has lost power and influence since World War 1. Since the end of the Cold War, there has been peace under American leadership. But this is now challenged by other countries – not least China. Søren Dosenrode spoke about what works against increased integration in Europe (nationalism and cultural differences between countries) and for increased integration (crises as normal where it is important to be able to act quickly and collectively as seen with the financial crisis, the coronavirus pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine).

- Overall, I am cautiously optimistic if we want the EU to take its place in the world. Alternatively, the EU will be an open-air museum run by either the United States or China, he concluded.

Creator of the Kaj Munk Research Centre

The Kaj Munk Research Centre is another accomplishment close to Søren Dosenrode’s heart. In 1997, he and Professor Peter Øhrstrøm had the idea of establishing a research centre for playwright and pastor Kaj Munk.

- I think that AAU should have a centre and collection for a significant and important Dane – just as the other universities have. So when I learned that Kaj Munk's widow, Lise, had just died, I contacted the family and, along with Peter Øhrstrøm, set about purchasing the archive and getting the centre established, says Søren Dosenrode.

The centre became a reality in 2005 as part of the Danish Parliament's Finance Act. The centre conducts research on Kaj Munk's works and the times he lived in, and disseminates this knowledge through books, articles, lectures and seminars. In addition, the centre offers a number of digital resources.

The centre is headed by Søren Dosenrode and Peter Øhrstrøm and is part of the Department of Communication and Psychology. It has been able to keep Søren Dosenrode employed in a mini-professorship that he will hold alongside his office as parish priest.

Since 1 May, he has been parish priest at Brønderslev Church. Søren Dosenrode has previously taken leave from AAU to serve as rural dean of Sydthy Deanery and parish priest at several churches in the same area. 

And he sees no contradiction between being a scientific researcher and a person of faith.

- I cannot believe in anything that contradicts the laws of nature, but if you peel the ideological layers away from science, then there is plenty of room for God. If you believe in God, it is wonderful to be allowed to be His pastor, says Søren Dosenrode.

Søren Doserode was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog in 2014. He is also decorated with several international orders.

After his farewell lecture, Søren Dosenrode was celebrated at a reception. See photos at the end of the article.