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Hans Erik Bøtker to become acting dean at Health

Vice-dean for Research at Health, Hans Erik Bøtker, is to take up the position of acting dean at the Faculty of Health from 1 August and until a replacement for Lars Bo Nielsen is found. Hans Erik Bøtker also announces that he will not be a candidate for the position of dean when it is advertised.

 

The vice-dean for Research at Health, Hans Erik Bøtker, will take over from Lars Bo Nielsen, who is to become the new director of the Danish Medicines Agency. Aarhus University’s Rector Brian Bech Nielsen has pointed to the 64-year-old Hans Erik Bøtker as Health\s new acting dean. 

"I'm pleased that Hans Erik Bøtker has agreed to take up the position until we have a new dean in place later this year. In his role as vice-dean, Hans Erik Bøtker has already made his mark as a leader at the faculty. With Hans Erik Bøtker, we’ll have a confidence-inspiring and highly experienced man at the helm to ensure continuity in the management of the faculty. Via his work in the Dean's Office at Health, Hans Erik already knows a great deal about the work of the senior management team, which he will also be a member of as acting dean. I'm looking forward to working together with Hans Erik in this new function," says Rector Brian Bech Nielsen.

Professor, DMSc Hans Erik Bøtker has been professor, department chair and consultant at Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital. He was appointed vice-dean for research at Health last year and has, among other things, distinguished himself by developing the faculty's research strategies, expanding relations with the foundations and streamlining work on applications and application processes at Health.

"I'm proud and honoured to be asked, and I'm looking forward to taking on the task. As acting dean I will not be forming long-term strategies, but I’ll contribute with decision-making and leadership during the time that I’ll be undertaking the position. Fortunately, I already have a good working relationship with the department heads and deputy heads of department, and our very competent staff will ensure that I have good assistance and support," says Hans Erik Bøtker.

He stresses that he will not be a candidate to the position of dean when it is advertised.

"Applying to be vice-dean of research was a very active choice, so I'm not a candidate," he says.

Hans Erik Bøtker graduated as a medical doctor in 1983, earned his PhD degree in 1995 and became a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) in 2001. In 1999 he became a medical specialist in cardiology and internal medicine, from 2002 he was a consultant at the Department of Cardiology at Aarhus University Hospital, and from 2007 he has been professor, department chair at Aarhus University.

The position of Dean at the Faculty of Health will be advertised in the next few weeks with the aim of welcoming a new dean around 1 November 2021.

Aarhus University will officially say goodbye to Lars Bo Nielsen at a farewell reception on Thursday 1 July.

Read the article Farewell to a visionary dean with an eye for detail.

Read Five quickfire questions for Lars Bo Nielsen