11. Nov. 2026
On 10 November, Associate Professor Søren Ulstrup from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University was awarded the 2026 Grundfos Prize. The prize, awarded by the Grundfos Foundation, recognises his outstanding research into the development of experimental methods for understanding and controlling materials for quantum technology.

As society’s critical functions become increasingly electrified, quantum technologies and materials make an important contribution to the development of the energy-efficient electronic components of the future. Søren Ulstrup’s research bridges the gap between fundamental discoveries and technological potential, thereby making a significant contribution to the development of solutions that benefit society.

•Søren Ulstrup blev hædret ved prisuddelingen i Bjerringbro, som ved samme lejlighed husede en udstilling om Grundfos Fondens indsatser inden for fremme af dansk og europæisk vandteknologi.

Søren Ulstrup was honoured on Tuesday at the award ceremony in Bjerringbro. The award was presented by the Foundation’s Chair, Flemming Konradsen (right) and Executive Director, Kim Nøhr Skibsted (left). Photo: Lars Holm

Søren Ulstrup stands out in particular for:

  • An outstanding research career at the highest international level
    Pioneering research into quantum materials, including the development of a unique experimental research platform, alongside a strong publication record in leading international journals.
  • A strong commitment to education and talent development
    An active teacher and supervisor of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, and the leader of a growing research group with a strong focus on developing the next generation of researchers. He has also been responsible for introductory first-year courses, which play an important role in students’ first encounters with science and in their academic development.
  • Clear independence and research leadership
    He has established his own research programme and developed new methods and directions that position him as a driving force in the field.
“The jury highlighted Søren Ulstrup’s independent and internationally recognised research profile. He delivers research of high scientific quality, contributes to the development of new research infrastructure and, not least, demonstrates a strong commitment to education and talent development. “
Flemming Konradsen, Chair of the Board, Grundfos Foundation

About the prize winner

Søren Ulstrup is an Associate Professor of Physics at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University, enrolled in the promotion programme for professorships. He researches quantum materials and uses synchrotron radiation to measure the electronic properties of solids. After completing his PhD at Aarhus University in 2014, he undertook postdoctoral research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California. There, he helped develop a new technology for focusing X-rays down to nanometre length scales, making it possible to “take pictures” of quantum states in electrical components. He brought this technology back to Denmark when he was appointed Assistant Professor at Aarhus University in 2017.

“- I am hugely honoured and grateful to have been awarded the Grundfos Prize. A central part of my research involves building and operating experimental facilities such as the ASTRID2 synchrotron facility at Aarhus University, as well as the extensive work that goes into developing and optimising the materials and microcomponents we study. This is only possible because I have had the privilege of working with skilled, dedicated and talented students, researchers and technicians at Aarhus University. They therefore also deserve credit for the recognition that comes with the Grundfos Prize. The research funding will be used to support ongoing work at these facilities, further develop our experimental capabilities and strengthen research into quantum materials. “
Søren Ulstrup, Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy at Aarhus University.

Søren Ulstrup leads his own research group at the ASTRID2 synchrotron radiation facility. The group’s research focuses on discovering and developing new forms of quantum materials just a few atomic layers thick, with the aim, among other things, of understanding new electronic properties such as superconductivity.

Søren Ulstrup vinder Grundfosprisen 2026 (Grundfos Foundation)

Søren Ulstrup was honoured on 10 November at the award ceremony in Bjerringbro. Foto: Lars Holm.

Søren Ulstrup was honoured on 10 November at the award ceremony in Bjerringbro, where he also gave an introductory lecture to his research:

Photos from the event can be downloaded from the Grundfos Foundation’s online image library. Credit: Lars Holm

(Grundfos Foundation)

The award ceremony in Bjerringbro also featured an exhibition on the Grundfos Foundation’s efforts to promote Danish and European water technology. Foto: Lars Holm