New Head of Department at DIKU: “There must be room for curiosity-driven research”

Ken Friis Larsen has served as Acting Head of DIKU since 1 January 2025 and now looks forward to continuing his work in guiding the department through current and future changes. With several years of experience as Deputy Head of Department and Head of Section at DIKU, he brings deep insight into the department. 

For Dean Bo Jellesmark Thorsen, who has appointed Ken Friis Larsen, it is a great pleasure to welcome him as DIKU’s new Head of Department. 

- DIKU is a central part of the university’s research and education profile, and increasingly important in our efforts to benefit society at large. Ken is building on the significant work he and his colleagues and predecessors have carried out over the years, and he is exceptionally well-suited to lead DIKU forward in enhancing quality and value for all of us. He knows every corner of DIKU, embodies its core values, and has held various leadership roles within the department. Ken is both a new and experienced Head of Department, and with him at the helm, DIKU is well-positioned for the developments ahead, says Bo Jellesmark Thorsen. 

Below, Ken Friis Larsen shares his motivation for applying for the position and outlines his main priorities as Head of Department.  

What motivated you to apply for the position? 

- DIKU, along with the Faculty of Science and the University of Copenhagen more broadly, is undergoing and facing significant changes – such as adapting to the administrative reform and the Master's reform. At the same time, we are preparing to implement a new financial resource allocation model. It is a crucial task to navigate DIKU safely through this transitional period and to ensure we find a fair and effective way to allocate resources. This will be essential for maintaining our academic quality and supporting our strategic goals. 

All of this may sound like a lot to take on. Fortunately, during my time as Acting Head of Department, I experienced tremendous support from my colleagues. I am very grateful for that, as it ultimately gave me the courage to apply for the position.

What will be your main focus as Head of Department? 

- Right now, I am particularly focused on financial sustainability. That means addressing the challenge of ensuring that DIKU can continue to grow and develop in a sustainable way, even in the face of economic pressures. A transparent and fair distribution of resources will be key to achieving this. 

In addition, it is important to me to continue fostering space for curiosity-driven research. It is vital to our academic success to give researchers the freedom to pursue their curiosity and explore new ideas. This requires not only financial support but also a culture that values and encourages innovation and a willingness to take risks.

What is your long-term vision for DIKU? 

- For me, the vision aligns with DIKU’s 2030 strategy: ‘DIKU staff and students excel and thrive in a world-leading Computer Science department.’ I dream of a department where both staff and students thrive and perform at the highest level in computer science. This involves not only achieving academic excellence but also continuing to develop our culture and fostering an environment that promotes innovation, collaboration, and personal growth.