The current 'Statutes', describing details concerning the purpose and organization of the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), were signed on 6 February 2020 by Brian Bech Nielsen, Rector of Aarhus University.
Section 1 - Status
Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS) is established under Section 9 of the Aarhus University (AU) statutes as an organizational unit with a specific mission. AIAS is independent of the University in all academic matters, within the framework of its budget.
Section 2 - Mission
The mission of AIAS is to advance highest quality research at Aarhus University by attracting talented, highly qualified fellows worldwide and within all disciplines, providing ideal opportunities to further develop their research in short to long fellowship periods, and ensuring fellows’ participation in different kinds of collaboration and exchange with researchers, research groups, and students at AU.
Section 3 - Duties and Activities
(1) The purpose of AIAS is to provide a physical home and programmatic framework for excellent researchers who come to AU from outside Denmark for shorter or longer periods. AIAS may also house fellows who are already employed by AU. AIAS will establish a physical and programmatic infrastructure to promote the exchange of ideas and research results among the fellows, and the building of connections to AU’s research environments.
(2) AIAS will function as a base and entry point for other guest researchers from abroad and offer settling-in assistance as needed.
Section 4 - Facilities
The University will provide buildings and facilities that reflect the vision for AIAS and support its mission. Where necessary, the University’s main academic areas will make laboratories and similar facilities available to AIAS fellows as appropriate.
Section 5 - Financing
AIAS is funded by Aarhus University, Aarhus University Research Foundation, and other external contributions in the form of grants and donations. The fiscal year is January 1 to December 31.
Section 6 - Board
The board advises the director in all academic matters as well as other affairs of significance to AIAS. The chairperson and the board members are appointed by the University Rector, who also determines the number of board members. The board members are appointed after recommendation by the University faculties. Board members must be active researchers with international experience and recognition. When appointing new board members, the need for diversity in the composition of the board, including diversity in relation to experience, age, and gender must be taken into consideration, and efforts must be made to ensure the representation of each of the University faculties. Board members are normally appointed for a term of 4 years, and the appointment is renewable.
The director and the deputy of AIAS both attend the AIAS board meetings as non-voting observers.
In matters concerning the director’s performance of his or her duties, the board may meet without the presence of the director.
Section 7 - Executive Directorship
The chief executive of AIAS is its director, who bears responsibility for its activities and management. The chairperson and the board members select the director after a formal search process that includes an assessment of the candidate’s academic qualifications, leadership experience, and vision for AIAS. The chairperson consults with the University Rector during the selection of a new AIAS director. The director must be an internationally accomplished researcher. The director’s term is normally 6 years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 3 years.
Section 8 - Advisory Board
AIAS can establish an advisory board composed of internationally recognized researchers. The advisory board advises the board and the director on matters concerning AIAS’ development, including the recruitment of fellows.
AIAS is formally established through these statutes, which are in effect upon signature by the Aarhus University Rector. Statutes may be taken up for review and amended by the Rector of Aarhus University. The AIAS board is entitled to give its opinion on any proposed amendments or changes before a decision is made.
Revised on 6 February 2020
Aarhus University,
Brian Bech Nielsen, Rector
