Lars Nielsen, 54, holds a PhD in Geology-Geophysics from Aarhus University. After completing his PhD in 1998, Lars was employed at the University of Copenhagen, first as a postdoctoral fellow and Assistant Professor, later as an Associate Professor and, since 2014, as a Professor. Since February 2023, Lars Nielsen has been Deputy Director at GEUS.
Throughout his career, Lars has worked in research, education, communication and business collaboration, while also building up more than 12 years of management experience, first as Deputy Head of Research at the Department of Geography and Geology and the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management at the University of Copenhagen, then as Head of Section at Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management and most recently as Deputy Director at GEUS.
“As an independent research institution, GEUS plays an important role in the field of geosciences, providing knowledge and consultancy to both authorities and businesses. This benefits both Denmark and Greenland. I look forward to working with Lars Nielsen in the new year,” says Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard.
“The board of directors is very much looking forward to working with Lars Nielsen as the future Managing Director of GEUS. Lars has a strong background in management and research, and in recent years he has been responsible for the continued development of GEUS’ research portfolio being both strong and relevant to society. With his eye for a healthy organisation, strong professionalism and good partners, Lars will be the right person to maintain GEUS as a central institution of knowledge in the green transition,” says Katrine Krogh Andersen, chair of the GEUS board of directors.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead GEUS, and I approach the task with great respect for the institution’s importance to both Denmark and Greenland. GEUS plays a central role in the green transition and in understanding the geological processes that are crucial to our common future. I look forward to developing GEUS’ research and advisory services so that our knowledge can further strengthen solutions within important agendas such as climate, energy and sustainable use of natural resources. An important part of the task will also be to contribute to a broader understanding of the importance of geosciences for the development of society,” says the future Managing Director of GEUS, Lars Nielsen, concluding:
“And I look forward to continuing the excellent cooperation with my many talented colleagues at GEUS, across the ministry and with GEUS’ many valued partners, including public authorities, industry and the research community.”