Expanding presence in the U.S. to better support Danish stakeholders

From 1 August, Torben Orla Nielsen will take up the position as Science Attaché at the Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. The attaché will work to promote Danish research interests in a rapidly evolving American landscape.

At a time when American research policy is undergoing significant changes, Danish research stakeholders – particularly Danish universities – have expressed a growing need to gain insights into these developments. To address this, the Ministry of Higher Education and Science is posting a Research Attaché to the Danish Embassy in Washington D.C.

The United States is a key partner for Denmark, especially in the field of research. By appointing a new Research Attaché in Washington, the Ministry is strengthening Denmark’s capacity to support Danish research communities and public authorities in their collaboration with American institutions.

Since 2018, Torben Orla Nielsen has served as Research Attaché at Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) in Boston, bringing with him solid experience from the American research and innovation environment.

The primary responsibility of the new attaché will be to monitor and communicate developments in American research policy and to help promote opportunities for Danish-American research collaboration.

The attaché will be affiliated with Innovation Centre Denmark and will work closely with the other Danish innovation centres in the United States – ICDK Boston and ICDK Silicon Valley – thereby contributing to a cohesive Danish presence in the USA.

The new position in Washington is initially established for one year, after which the initiative will be evaluated.