PhD prize winners 2026

Once again, the Aarhus University Research Foundation awards the PhD Prize to five young researchers, who have conducted scientific research at a very high level. Read about their work in the following pages.

By Filip Graugaard Esmarch

The AUFF PhD Prize is awarded for the 24th time this year. The prize goes to five young researchers, one from each faculty. Each of the winners have shown impressive research results. They receive the prize for their work as a PhD student and not necessarily for the thesis.

This year, the prize goes to:

• a geologist, who has conducted research in geochronology, which is the dating of geological sediments
• a chemist and food engineer, who has researched ways of visualising food components in their natural environment
• a psychologist, who has researched personality functioning and well-being
• a theologist, who has studied the symbolic theology of Paul Tillich
• a doctor, who has studied Danish mothers’ level of physical activity.

All five winners will continue or plan to continue their research.

Facts about the PhD Prize

• The Aarhus University Research Foundation instituted the annual PhD Prize in connection with the University’s 75th anniversary in 2003.
• Based on recommendations from the faculties, the PhD schools at Aarhus University recommend a number of candidates for the prize. Together, the University Management and the Foundation choose the winners.
• All prize winners must have completed their PhD project the previous year, in this case 2025.
• Each winner receives DKK 40,000.