The students are also affected by layoffs at the Faculty of Science

Names of all signees appear at the bottom of the post.

Dear students, professors, and administrators at SCIENCE

As members of the Study Board for Biological Sciences, we wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent announcement of budget reductions within the Faculty of Science.

READ ALSO: Faculty of Science braces for tough choices as budget gap widens

These cuts are expected to total approximately 100 million DKK and will be implemented through staff terminations and departmental budget reductions starting in 2026.

The limited transparency surrounding this process, coupled with the rapid implementation timeline, has raised serious concerns at our most recent board meeting. Based on the information currently available, we foresee several potential impacts to our student body.

Courses and theses in danger

Firstly, we expect several negative consequences for students’ education, such as fewer resources, i.e. lab time and consumables, and institutional support for student-led and thesis-related projects.

In addition, staff terminations will likely lead to course cancellations that will disrupt study plans and delay students’ progress toward graduation.

We also fear that reduced opportunities for one-on-one instruction and mentorship as well as fewer assignments and feedback opportunities will further diminish the overall quality of learning and limit individual academic growth.

Secondly, increased workload for already overextended staff will have a direct negative impact on students’ experience. We expect larger class sizes and cancellation of multiple courses this year and in the coming semesters. Professors will then be expected to supervise more theses and independent projects within the current program structures.

We urge University leadership to acknowledge the gravity of this situation

Lastly, we anticipate administrative strain and risks to academic oversight. The Study Board has not been involved in discussions regarding departmental restructuring, yet we will remain responsible for ensuring academic quality and program remediation.

Moreover, the accelerated rollout of changes risks overwhelming administrative systems and bypassing established program review procedures. To sum up, the current timeline jeopardizes the Study Board’s ability to fulfill its mandated role in safeguarding the quality and coherence of education at the University of Copenhagen.

Do you acknowledge the gravity of this?

As of today, it remains unclear whether standard program review procedures will be maintained. And each day without clarification increases the likelihood that proper oversight will be compromised in the rush to meet budgetary deadlines.

While some of these outcomes are projections, they reflect our understanding of the balance required to sustain educational excellence. We believe the University has not yet fully accounted for the ripple effects these cuts may have on faculty, staff, students, and administrative bodies alike.

READ ALSO: Rector on cuts to Faculty of Science: There’s no way around it

As students, we are disheartened by the lack of consultation and the uncertainty surrounding these decisions, which profoundly affect our education and future.

We urge University leadership to acknowledge the gravity of this situation, engage in open dialogue with the community, and ensure that the measures taken do not undermine the quality of education that defines the University of Copenhagen.

Sincerely
The Student Members of the Study Board for Biological Sciences:

Kristian Siig Hessel (chairperson)
Anna Østergaard Caggese
Clara Kiirdal Niemann
Kamille Hjorth Arndal
Margit Pi Jensen
Stephanie Sibbald 
Victoria Herlov Roed