11. Nov. 2025
Associate Professor Elvis Genbo Xu, University of Southern Denmark, Department of Biology, is awarded the 2025 Grundfos Prize in recognition of his research in ecotoxicology and environmental contaminants.

On Tuesday 11 November, Associate Professor Elvis Genbo Xu, University of Southern Denmark, will receive the 2025 Grundfos Prize at the award ceremony in Bjerringbro and join a line of prominent researchers.

Associate Professor Elvis Genbo Xu, University of Southern Denmark, Department of Biology, is awarded the 2025 Grundfos Prize in recognition of his research in ecotoxicology and environmental contaminants. Photo: Jacob Fredegaard Hansen

Elvis Genbo Xu’s efforts to understand and manage environmental contaminants are a very important contribution to reducing the footprint we leave on the Earth for future generations.

An academic role model

The jury particularly emphasized that Elvis Genbo Xu is an academic role model. Not only by producing outstanding research results, but also through teaching, and science communication:

“Elvis Genbo Xu’s extensive publication activity and outstanding research are globally recognized contributions to important fields such as plastic pollution and “forever chemicals” with long-term consequences for life on Earth.“
Flemming Konradsen, Chair of the Foundation Board and the Grundfos Prize Jury

As an educator, Elvis Genbo Xu has implemented new teaching programs and supervised numerous thesis projects. He is highly regarded by students and has also received SDU’s award as the best teacher. Furthermore, he has actively contributed to public debate on environmental contaminants. He has collaborated with authorities and industry on waste management and plastic strategies, and he has participated in outreach to the general public at for example high schools.

“The Grundfos Prize consists of the sculpture “Be-Think-Innovate” by artist Flemming Brylle and a cash payment of 1 million Danish Crowns, of which 250,000 goes directly to the recipient of the prize, whilst the remaining 750,000 is allocated to further research in the field and is entirely at the disposal of the winner.“

Target: rising stars

The Grundfos Prize was established by the Grundfos Foundation in 2001 with the purpose of promoting, acknowledging and supporting national and international research and solutions that are useful to society. Since 2018, the Grundfos Prize has targeted young researchers under the theme “The Stars of Tomorrow”. The selection criteria are as follows:

  • Research area within technology or natural science
  • Significant research, recognized by peers, that breaks new ground
  • Research that creates, or lays the foundation for, societal change (such as contributing towards reaching one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals)

The Jury consists of experienced researchers that evaluate the nominees carefully and select the right winner. The jury members are:

  • Ole Sigmund​, Professor, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, DTU​
  • Susanne Bødker​ Professor, Computer Science, AU​
  • Per Halkjær Nielsen​ Professor, Chemistry and Bioscience, AAU​
  • ​Flemming Konradsen​ Professor, Global Health, KU​ and Scientific Director of Global Health, ​Novo Nordisk Foundation​