Denmark Merged Higher Education, Research and Digitalisation into One Ministry (Denmark, June 2026)
Denmark created the Ministry of Research, Education and Digitalisation by combining the former Ministry of Higher Education and Science with the Ministry of Digitalisation. Christina Egelund was appointed minister for the combined portfolio.
Denmark created the Ministry of Research, Education and Digitalisation by combining the former Ministry of Higher Education and Science with the Ministry of Digitalisation. Christina Egelund was appointed minister for the combined portfolio.
What Changed?
Responsibility for research, higher education and digitalisation was placed under a single ministry, with the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, the Agency for Digital Government, Statistics Denmark and CPR listed as underlying bodies.
Old System vs New System
Research and higher education were handled by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science, while digitalisation was a separate ministerial portfolio.
A combined ministry now links higher education, research policy and digitalisation policy under one ministerial structure.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may see stronger policy links between higher education, digital skills, artificial intelligence and labour-market preparation, although no immediate admissions rule changed on this date.
Parent / Family Impact
Families should expect higher education policy communication to come from the combined ministry, especially on topics involving digital skills or student pathways.
School / Institution Impact
Universities and other higher education institutions will engage with a ministry that also carries national digitalisation responsibilities.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Higher education lecturers and researchers may see future policy initiatives framed more directly around digital transformation, AI and skills development.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-03: combined ministry and minister announced.
What To Do
- Higher education institutions should monitor future guidance from the combined ministry
- especially where programme design
- digital competences
- AI or research policy overlap.
What To Watch Next
Watch whether the ministry publishes integrated strategies on AI, digital learning, research infrastructure or higher education reform.
Global Context
The merger reflects a wider international trend of treating education, research and digital capacity as connected policy areas rather than separate administrative domains.
Source Record
Source type: Official announcement
Source name: Forsknings-, Uddannelses- og Digitaliseringsministeriet