Rikke Søgaard has been appointed professor with special responsibilities (MSO) in health economics at Aarhus University. The professorship is a part of AU’s efforts to develop a strong research environment in the field of health economics in Aarhus.

2015.04.16 | Helle Horskjær Hansen

How do we create better conditions for innovation and quality in the hospital sector? And should we increase our focus on prevention in the public healthcare system? These questions are the focal point of Rikke Søgaard’s work. She has just been appointed professor with special responsibilities (MSO) in health economics at Aarhus University.

"Our general research theme is the value-based healthcare system, where the focus is on the citizens’ preferences in relation to developing what the system has to offer," explains Rikke Søgaard.

The professorship with special responsibilities (MSO) is a collaboration between the Departments of Clinical Medicine and Public Health at Aarhus University and Public Health and Quality Improvement, Central Denmark Region.

A strong environment for health economics

Rikke Søgaard hopes that the results can have direct significance for value perceptions in the healthcare sector.

"Research can contribute towards people in Denmark deciding upon a new model for the management of the hospital sector and whether we should introduce population screening of vascular diseases," says Rikke Søgaard, while at the same time looking forward to creating more partnerships and networks, both across the university and its units and externally.

Both Aarhus University and the Central Denmark Region see great potential in the collaboration.

"AU and the Central Denmark Region are in the process of building a health economic environment and we look forward to having an even stronger health economic research environment," says Kristjar Skajaa, department head at the Department of Clinical Medicine.

According to the department head, such a research environment can help to strengthen the basis for making decisions and prioritising the development of the healthcare system of the future.

The three partners expect the professorship to lead to a strong and visible academic environment that will in turn attract the best students and increased external funding.

"At the same time, the research can increase the level of interest from the municipalities and regions in the research activities at Aarhus University," says Søren K. Kjærgaard, department head at the Department of Public Health.

Public Health and Quality Improvement, Central Denmark Region has supported the professorship with a research grant for the project "New management in a patient perspective".

"Both in terms of education and research, the professorship will help to develop competences and results which can promote an effective and even better healthcare service," says Mette Kjølby from Public Health and Quality Improvement, Central Denmark Region.

Further information

Professor Rikke Søgaard
Department of Public Health and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
Mobile: + 45 2899 1387
rs@ph.au.dk