About the department

The Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) is a broad social science department of the University of Copenhagen contributing to solving global issues. 
Rolighedsvej 23

The Department of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) is a broad social science department in the Faculty of Science (SCIENCE). The head of the department is Professor Bo Jellesmark Thorsen.

The department consists of a management group, an administrative support unit, and 4 research sections: Section for Consumption, Bioethics and Governance, Section for Environment and Natural Resources, Section for Global Development, and Section for Production, Markets and Policy.

  • Strategic mission

    Our mission and the department's raison d’être is to undertake independent and excellent research within our disciplines, addressing our thematic fields. On this basis, we undertake excellent research‐based teaching, research‐based consultancy and disseminate research‐based knowledge to society.

    As a broad social science department on the above thematic fields, we explicitly pursue options for excellence in interdisciplinary research to address research questions of pertinence and high complexity around the world.

    Our main tasks are research, education, research-based public-sector services and broader dissemination, particularly within the fields of environment, natural resources, global development, food and agriculture as well as consumption, bioethics and governance.

Management

The day-to-day management of the Department of Food and Resource Economics is the responsibility of the Head of Department, Bo Jellesmark Thorsen. The executive management consists of the Head of Department, the two Deputy Heads of Department and the Head of Administration.

 

 

 

 

  • History

    IFRO originates from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (KVL) and related research institutes, with the traditions and methodology developed in the Danish agriculture, forestry and food production sectors.

    The close consultative relationships developed between IFRO,  the private sector, public authorities and other research institutions have contributed significantly to shape the unique profile of the department today.

    Our successful study programmes, some older than 150 years, and their interaction with the surrounding society make up the more than 100 year old tradition of providing research‐based consultancy to governments and society within our fields.

  • Administrative support

    The Head of IFRO's administrative support is Jesper Levring Andersen. The unit is located at Rolighedsvej 23, Frederiksberg, Front building, first floor.

    The unit provides administrative services to the management of the department and to the sections and handles the following tasks: Finance and budgets, Project management,
    Secretariat for teaching, PhD management, Internal and external communication, Publication service, and other practical assistance.

    IFRO's main telephone line, +45 35336800, is open Monday-Thursday from 09.00-16.00 and Fridays 09.00-15.00.