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These are interesting and challenging times we live in. In Denmark, in Europe and in the world.
If we look at the leaps taken in science and technology you could define this time period as a scientific revolution. Where science and technological progress is pushing our societies forward.
New technologies that we cannot even comprehend are emerging all around us. And with a speed we haven’t seen before.
Fields like quantum, AI and space-based solutions are no longer niche or futuristic.
They are here. They are being developed and implemented all over the world.
At the same time there are very conflicting political waves.
The values that many people in Europe – myself included – have taken for granted for decades are no longer self-evident.
Freedoms like personal freedom, academic freedom, freedom of speech and expression. Democracy, safety, free trading and social security.
These are the values we built our societies on in the western world. Now, they’re being challenged and disputed.
In ways and also from sources we didn’t expect. From tech giants outside democratic control and foreign powers with very different ideals.
While science and technology are accelerating progress to make our societies and lives better. There are at the same time strong forces pushing us backwards and using those same technologies against us. For the sake of ideology, for the sake of power, or simply to generate profit.
The very principles by which we have defined our morals, our laws and our society are being challenged.
This is disconcerting to put it mildly. But it is also a moment for us in Europe to remember who we are. And to decide who we want to be. For me and for everyone else who thought we could take the enlightenment ideals of freedom, progress and rationalism for granted.
If we want this time period we’re in right now to truly become a scientific revolution. Where science and innovation take our society, humanity and civilisation to a better and brighter future, it is clear that we need to stand up for our ideals.
One of the original Enlightenment thinkers, the philosopher John Locke, said it best. And I quote:
“The only defence against the world is a thorough knowledge of it.”
Knowledge has brought our society forward since the beginning of time. Knowledge is what we’ve built our societies on. Knowledge is the way forward.
And this is where todays’ grant recipients come in. As scientists you take small steps each day to lead us towards a deeper and more profound understanding of the world.
You shine a light on new ideas and understandings. You question the established and conventional.
Science is fuelled by human curiosity and wonder. The eternal quest for knowledge.
As Villum Investigators you get to dedicate even more time and energy to that specific corner of the world that you want to understand better.
Whether that be the mathematics of quantum matter, chemical recycling technologies, bio-design, cyber security or any of the other fascinating fields today’s grant recipients spend their significant brain power on.
All of these research projects feed into the defence of knowledge the world so gravely needs just now.
I want to thank the Villum Foundation for your commitment to Danish science and research. The Villum Investigator Programme has given some of Denmark’s top scientists the freedom and funds to make incredible discoveries and conduct critical research.
Strong foundations like the Villum Foundation, coupled with continuous and intensive public investments in science, is what makes Denmark a world-class research nation.
Thank you for lifting that responsibility and supporting Danish science and research.
The current political situation in the world has underlined how Europe needs to lead the way with ground-breaking research.
Some parts of the world may want to go backwards but in Europe we are committed to the future.
We have the talent, we have the skills, we have the ideals. Now we need to act. To bring Europe into a new golden age of scientific discoveries and technological development, while standing up for our beliefs and the principles of The Enlightenment.
Today’s 11 grant recipients are an important part of that endeavour.
You represent different Danish Universities as well as different nationalities.
It goes to show that when we work together, across borders and across research fields, we can achieve so much more.
These are interesting and challenging times to be a part of. For scientists and politicians alike. It is also a moment of opportunity for Europe.
We must use this time of upheaval and uncertainty to build something solid.
To stand firm on our values and show why the best societies are built on freedom and progress.
Knowledge is our defence – it always has been. And I applaud all of you who dedicate your lives to bring us all a bit more knowledge.
Congratulations on your grants.
Thank you.