What are missions, and why does AAU work mission-driven?

Missions are large, complex challenges that require multidisciplinary and collaborative solutions. AAU is mission-driven to ensure that research not only creates academic knowledge, but also concrete and measurable effects in society. AAU will contribute to dealing with society's complex challenges by focusing on close partnerships with municipalities, regions, government authorities, private companies and interest groups.

By attending the Mission Masterclass, you will gain a deeper understanding of mission oriented work, allowing you to contribute to the goals of the missions through interdisciplinary and partnership-based approaches. This strengthens both your personal and professional development in relation to working with AAU's strategic goals, and you contribute to the university creating greater impact in society.

Target group

Missions are by nature interdisciplinary, and the course is therefore designed for both researchers (VIP), technical-administrative staff (TAP) and external partners who want to engage in AAU's mission projects. Through research-based knowledge, sharing and dialogue, you will be introduced to a systemic approach to complex societal challenges by involving many different stakeholders in the development of solutions.

The course offers knowledge of:

• The background and methods described in the Mission Guidebook.
• How local and joint missions work, and why AAU is mission-driven.
• How you can engage in mission-oriented research as academic staff, administrative staff or external participant and how you can contribute to existing and future missions with your skills and professional role.
• How to contribute to missions and their disciplines interdisciplinarily.
• Examples of concrete cases from AAU's various missions.

Learning method

In the masterclass, we alternate between presentations and active participation in group work. Participants will first receive presentations that introduce and explain key concepts and methods. Through interactive exercises and discussions, participants will be able to reflect on their own role in missionary work and ideas on how they can contribute to both existing and future missions.