International Press Releases
New sculptures celebrates international collaboration in research
Nov 20, 2025A groundbreaking art installation celebrates the power of collective discovery and marks the launch of Open World Conference 2025, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Niels Bohr’s call for global scientific collaboration.
Copenhagen Capacity and the University of Copenhagen are pleased to announce the public unveiling of “United Minds,” a first-of-its-kind public art installation that challenges the myth of the lone scientific genius and celebrates the collaborative spirit that drives innovation.
The striking sculpture series honours the 75th anniversary of Nobel laureate Niels Bohr’s historic Open Letter to the United Nations. Featuring the iconic bust of Niels Bohr alongside sculptures of his legendary scientific collaborators—Margrethe Bohr, Oskar Klein, Yoshio Nishina, Ben Roy Mottelson, George Gamow, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie—”United Minds” reimagines how we recognise scientific achievement. Rather than elevating individual contributors, the installation embodies the collective power behind transformative breakthroughs.
The striking sculpture series honours the 75th anniversary of Nobel laureate Niels Bohr’s historic Open Letter to the United Nations. Featuring the iconic bust of Niels Bohr alongside sculptures of his legendary scientific collaborators—Margrethe Bohr, Oskar Klein, Yoshio Nishina, Ben Roy Mottelson, George Gamow, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie—”United Minds” reimagines how we recognise scientific achievement. Rather than elevating individual contributors, the installation embodies the collective power behind transformative breakthroughs.
“This art installation represents something larger than artistic expression,” said Asbjørn Overgaard, CEO of Copenhagen Capacity. “It’s a powerful symbolic statement that positions Copenhagen at the forefront of global scientific collaboration. Through the United Minds initiative—a signature campaign of Science Hub Denmark—the nation reaffirms its commitment to fostering scientific excellence through collaboration, stable funding, and world-class quality of life.”
A Legacy Renewed: Bohr’s Vision for an Open World
Seven decades ago, Niels Bohr recognised what remains profoundly urgent today: that openness, transparency, and international cooperation are the foundations of human progress and global security. His 1950 Open Letter to the United Nations—a plea for mutual confidence and free exchange of information in the atomic age—anticipated the challenges we now face with unprecedented clarity.
Seven decades ago, Niels Bohr recognised what remains profoundly urgent today: that openness, transparency, and international cooperation are the foundations of human progress and global security. His 1950 Open Letter to the United Nations—a plea for mutual confidence and free exchange of information in the atomic age—anticipated the challenges we now face with unprecedented clarity.
"Bohr’s Open Letter is as relevant today as it was in 1950, if not more so,” said Theis Lange, Head of Department and Professor at the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen. “As the world faces complex, borderless challenges—climate change, global pandemics—as well as changes with unknown long-term consequences – artificial intelligence, redefined social fabric - we are reminded that no single nation, institution, or researcher can address these alone. Bohr understood that our shared vulnerability demands shared solutions. His vision of an ‘open world,’ built on transparency and trust, remains a key tool toward a safer, more innovative future."
'United Minds' launch video.
A Global Call to Action
The unveiling of “United Minds” serves as an urgent call to the world’s scientific community: the time for collaboration is now. Modern challenges—from cyber threats and artificial intelligence to space exploration and pandemic preparedness—transcend borders and demand unprecedented international cooperation.
Open World Conference 2025: Continuing the Dialogue“’United Minds’ is not simply a monument to the past,” said Camilla Ploug, Creative Director. “It is an active invitation to scientists, researchers, and innovators everywhere to embrace the collaborative spirit that has always driven scientific progress. “We also invite the public to come and experience these sculptures on display throughout the remainder of the week in celebration of the Open World Conference. Denmark extends that invitation today.”
The sculpture unveiling coincides with the Open World Conference 2025 (November 19-21), a three-day gathering dedicated to exploring how openness, trust, and international cooperation can address today’s most urgent global challenges. The conference builds upon the philosophical foundation laid by Bohr’s Open Letter, bringing together leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to advance collaborative solutions.
About United Minds, Science Hub Denmark and A State of Denmark
United Minds is a signature initiative of Science Hub Denmark, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence through collaboration, stable funding, and exceptional quality of life. The campaign invites researchers worldwide to advance their work in an environment that supports both scientific achievement and personal flourishing. A State of Denmark is a Danish place brand dedicated to helping people build happy, meaningful lives in Denmark. Through the A State of Denmark Job Portal and targeted campaigns, the initiative connects international talent with career opportunities across the country. Learn more at state-of-denmark.com
United Minds is a signature initiative of Science Hub Denmark, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence through collaboration, stable funding, and exceptional quality of life. The campaign invites researchers worldwide to advance their work in an environment that supports both scientific achievement and personal flourishing. A State of Denmark is a Danish place brand dedicated to helping people build happy, meaningful lives in Denmark. Through the A State of Denmark Job Portal and targeted campaigns, the initiative connects international talent with career opportunities across the country. Learn more at state-of-denmark.com
Video from the event unveiling of the 'United Minds' installation at the University of Copenhagen.
Update, December 2025: Following the overwhelming public response to the November unveiling of "United Minds," the groundbreaking public art display celebrating scientific collaboration has been granted a permanent home at the University of Copenhagen's library. University officials made the decision to relocate the installation based on its powerful impact on the community—passersby were deeply moved by the striking display of unity and collaboration, with many expressing newfound pride in Copenhagen's scientific heritage and global standing.
Campaign site - incl. press kit: research.state-of-denmark.com/united-minds
Campaign site - incl. press kit: research.state-of-denmark.com/united-minds
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