By Susanne Togeby, AAU Communication and Public Affairs. 
Photo: Lasse Møller Badstue

Lone Kørnøv receives the Knight's Cross for her many years of work as a professor at Aalborg University. She is a leading researcher in the field of environmental assessment and the driving force behind the world's largest and highly influential research centre in this field.
 
Dean of the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Thomas Bak, points to the invaluable efforts to promote sustainable development that Lone Kørnøv is behind. He says:
 
"Lone Kørnøv has made an extraordinary contribution in the field of environmental assessment and sustainability and is helping to drive the green transition forward. With her dedication, innovative approach and significant research, she has not only contributed scientifically but also played a role in addressing some of society's most pressing sustainability challenges."
 
Lone Kørnøv's great strength and passion is precisely the combination of research and societal impact. Through her open dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders, Lone Kørnøv excels at bridging the gap between science and society, and according to the dean, her work serves as a model for how research can be a driving force for positive change. Lone Kørnøv's extensive scientific knowledge contributes to better environmental assessments in practice.

Recognition of joint efforts

Lone Kørnøv sees the appointment as a confirmation that the joint effort to link academic research with practical solutions creates real changes and a more sustainable future. She says:
 
"I am honored to receive the Knight's Cross. This recognition is not only for my personal efforts, but also for the extensive and inspiring collaboration with incredible colleagues at AAU and our dedicated external partners. The fact that the effort is recognized and appreciated so clearly fills me with pride and joy. It also highlights the crucial importance of research and the important role we as researchers play in shaping our society."
 

Creating space for women in engineering and science
Lone Kørnøv was behind the establishment of the Danish Centre for Environmental Assessment (DCEA) in 2008. She has led the centre ever since, and today DCEA is the epicentre for the development of environmental assessment practices in Denmark. Through conferences, education and joint research, the centre contributes to the development of knowledge and collaboration.
 
Lone Kørnøv has been employed at Aalborg University since 1995, and the list of her publications is long. It is characteristic of Lone Kørnøv that she does what is socially responsible, while always maintaining her research integrity. She is a great source of inspiration for others, and as a supervisor for PhD students, she contributes to educating the researchers of the future.
 
Lone Kørnøv has also been the driving force behind the development of two continuing education programmes, namely Environmental Assessment of Specific Projects  and Assessment of Plans. Her commitment to sharing knowledge and experience helps to upgrade the skills of professionals in consulting, construction and public authorities.  
 
In addition to her commitment to educating and guiding at all levels, Lone Kørnøv has a special passion for creating space for women. She has initiated initiatives that encourage more women to take an education in engineering and science, which is key to creating greater diversity and thus even better results when finding solutions to global environmental problems.

Translated by: Tanja Sørensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs.