By Susanne Clement Justesen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: Søren Emil Søe Degn, AAU Communication and Public Affairs

Aalborg University is increasing its investment in artificial intelligence with a new round of AI:X Labs. In 2026, even more researchers will have the opportunity to participate in virtual AI:X Labs where they collaborate across research environments to develop and apply AI technologies.

The initiative builds on the successful start-up in 2025 when five laboratories were established.

Greater disciplinary breadth in the selection

According to Dean Thomas Bak, the executive manager responsible for the AI:X Labs project, the competition to become part of AI:X Labs was so great that many strong proposals unfortunately had to be rejected in 2025. The deans therefore decided to expand the disciplinary breadth of the AI:X Lab portfolio in 2026.

The new AI:X Labs will consist of:

• Two Lab directors from different departments
• Two PhD students, one PhD student for each Lab director
• One mentor 

"We want more researchers and environments to have the opportunity to contribute, so we are strengthening the disciplinary and thematic breadth of the portfolio, so that AAU can stand even stronger in the interdisciplinary development of artificial intelligence," says Dean Thomas Bak, TECH.

Information meeting and AI Meet Up 

On 24 October, AAU will hold an information meeting where interested researchers can hear more about AI:X Labs, the application process and the opportunities to participate. 

On the same day, an AI Meet Up will be held where potential Lab directors can meet colleagues from other faculties and discuss ideas for new laboratories. To become a Lab director, you must have a PhD for a period of 3 to 13 years.

New dean with great expectations 

Dean Karina Dahl Steffensen, Faculty of Medicine, was not employed at AAU when the first five AI:X Labs were established in 2025, so she is looking forward to being part of the project:

"As the new dean, I look forward to strategically contributing to the strong disciplinary environments around artificial intelligence. It is inspiring to join an initiative of great importance for the development of technology, society and healthcare," she says.

Invitation and call

See the invitation to the AI:X LABS information meeting and AI:X Meet Up here

The call will be published on the website in week 41. The deadline to submit applications is in week 2.

Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs