New Rector at the University of Copenhagen

CHANGING OF THE GUARD Henrik C. Wegener has passed the rector chain on to David Dreyer Lassen.
Rector no. 259 Henrik C. Wegener congrats David Dreyer Lassen, rector no. 260
Photo: Nikolai Linares

David Dreyer Lassen has officially taken up his position as Rector of the University of Copenhagen. The chain from the Rector of the last eight years, Henrik C. Wegener, was handed over at a ceremony where you could feel the wings of history and be part of a new tradition for the first time.

In his inaugural speech, David Dreyer Lassen, UCPH rector number 260, said that the mission to be of benefit started back in 1479 when the University was founded:

“UCPH must become even better at spreading our valuable knowledge for the benefit of society. We must solve scientific problems. But we must also contribute to solving all kinds of other problems, typically in partnership with others”, he said.

On 1 March 2025, David Dreyer Lassen took office as the University of Copenhagen's Rector number 260. Born in 1973, he graduated with an MSc in Political Science in 1998 and a PhD in 2002, both degrees from the University of Copenhagen.

The Rector, the Prorector and the University Director constitute the University's top day-to-day management, also known as the Rectorate.

David Dreyer Lassen is appointed for a five-year term until 28 February 2030, with the option of a three-year extension.

Read more about David Dreyer Lassen

The chain was lifted off Henrik C. Wegener's shoulders onto David Dreyer Lassen's. This is the first time in the University's history that the chain has had a key role in changing rectors. Previously, the tradition was for the new rector to drink Rhine wine from a special silver goblet. This time, all the guests were served a glass of Rhine wine after the ceremony.

[Translate to English:] Sølvpokal

Broken silver goblet

The original silver goblet from 1589 was a gift from King James VI of Scotland to the University of Copenhagen; however, it was badly damaged during the British bombardment in 1807. Subsequently, the remains ended up at the National Museum of Denmark as one of its first artefacts.

A few years later, a professor donated a new silver cup to the University, which David Dreyer Lassen symbolically takes over along with the heavy chain and responsibility.

The University Leadership and the Chairperson of the Board

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