Nicklas has been selected for the AAU Excellence Programme: Lessons learned, advice to give, and dreams for the future
Last fall, Nicklas Vinter, MD and Postdoctoral fellow at Aalborg University (AAU), received the big news that he had been selected for the AAU Excellence Programme beginning in 2026. The initiative is a two-year research talent programme designed to support the academic development of promising early career researchers. The main objective is to give Nicklas the opportunity to strengthen his independent research profile and prepare competitive applications for future research career grants. Eventually, Nicklas hopes to build strong international collaborations and contribute evidence to national health policy after com-pleting the programme.
A focus on preventive interventions
Today, Nicklas’s research aims to reduce the number of people who develop severe cardiovascular conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, and to reduce social and geographical inequities. Rather than focusing solely on individual lifestyle changes, Nicklas is interested in structural interventions; “such as healthier food policies or alcohol regulations, that can improve health for everyone”. To do this, Nicklas uses large national health data sets and advanced computational models to explore the long-term effects of different interventional strategies.
Reasons for applying
Nicklas decided to apply for the AAU Excellence Programme to, among other things, build a stronger research profile. He explains: “I applied because the programme is designed to help early career researchers build strong, independent research profiles and prepare for major international grants”. In addition, Nicklas appreciated the programme’s offers regarding mentoring, training, and funding, which he says allow him to focus on developing innovative ideas.
Another important motivation was the opportunity to advance his leadership skills and increase the societal impact of his research: “For me, this is a chance to strengthen my leadership skills and make my research on heart disease prevention more impactful for society”, he says.
The ups and downs of the application process
According to Nicklas, the application process was demanding but also rewarding. He explains how the process was divided into two phases: “The first phase was a short application outlining my research vision and career potential, and the second phase involved a full proposal, external scientific assessments, and an interview with the programme’s interdisciplinary scientific board”, Nicklas explains.
The process also provided valuable opportunities for learning and development. Nicklas describes: “Writing the application helped me to sharpen my ideas and explain why my research matters, not just to scientists, but to society”. Thus, the application process strengthened not only the focus of his research but also his ability to communicate it to a broader audience.
This exact lesson regarding communicating research to a larger audience became one of the largest challenges in the process. Nicklas explains: “The biggest challenge was making complex research understandable for reviewers outside my field. I learned how important it is to communicate clearly and highlight how scientific findings may translate into real-world impact”. Ultimately, the experience improved Nicklas’s ability to communicate science in simple and accessible terms, something he deems; “essential for public engagement and policy influence”.
Advice for future grant seekers
If Nicklas was to give a couple of pieces of advice to future programme seekers, they would be to “start early and involve your mentors”. He highlights the importance of ensuring that an application clearly demonstrates why your research is original and how it will make a meaningful difference for society. In this regard, it is crucial to “be specific about your long-term vision and how the programme will help you reach it”, according to Nicklas.
In addition, he emphasises the value of prioritising cross-disciplinary collaboration, as bringing together different scientific fields is often key to solving complex problems. Finally, Nicklas emphasises: “Do not underestimate the importance of clear, simple language”.
Improving population health and reducing inequities
When the AAU Excellence Programme concludes, Nicklas has one clear goal: “My first goal is to establish my own research group focused on addressing complex challenges in cardiovascular prevention and healthcare”. Furthermore, Nicklas hopes to have published influential studies on preventive interventions against cardiovascular disease and secured external funding to sustain future projects.
Another key priority for Nicklas is “building strong international collaborations and contributing evidence to national health policy”. Lastly, he aims to create advanced training opportunities for PhD students and early career researchers. Overall, he aspires to “deliver actionable insights that improve cardiovascular population health and reduce inequities in Denmark and beyond”.
AAU Excellence Programme official page
If you want to learn more about the AAU Excellence Programme, you can read about here: