Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports by The University of Copenhagen

What Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports by The University of Copenhagen does

The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (Institut for Idræt og Ernæring) is a research and educational institute within the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark's oldest university (founded 1479). The department conducts interdisciplinary research spanning sports science, human physiology, nutrition, health, movement neuroscience, and public health, and is ranked 2nd globally in Sport Science research environment by the Shanghai Ranking. Its core offerings comprise research projects (e.g., Generation Sunde Børn children's health initiative, MoMS micronutrient trials in Kenya, KiSO women's menopause research, GreenFamily plant-rich diet study, En skov for alle outdoor recreation project), education programs (Bachelor and Master degrees in sport science and nutrition), and public-facing knowledge platforms (notably the KiSO Knowledge Portal launched in March 2026 and the BasketMatematik curriculum). Research infrastructure includes metabolomics, biobank, research kitchen, child examination facilities, human intervention test facilities, and clinical test capabilities.

The department operates on a public, government-funded model under the Danish state university system. Funding flows primarily from state block grants, competitive research grants from foundations (especially Novo Nordisk Fonden, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Velux Fonden, Plantefonden, Friluftsrådet, Nordea-fonden), and modest facility rental income. Københavns Kommune accounts for approximately 99% of facility rental bookings in evening and weekend timeslots under the Folkeoplysningsloven. Distribution occurs through academic education, research collaborations with international partners (KEMRI Kenya, University of Bergen Norway, Steno Diabetes Center Grønland, University of Verona Italy), facility rentals to clubs and associations, and public knowledge dissemination via the nexs.ku.dk website and Danish media. The department employs 81 staff across three research sections: Nutrition and Health, Sport, Individual & Society, and Movement and Neuroscience.

Customer-facing "segments" are heterogeneous: research participants (e.g., 153,800 women in the KiSO Survey, 3,200 children in school meals research, 3,000 pregnant women in Kenya), grant funders (foundations and government agencies), sports facility renters (clubs and private individuals), bachelor/master students, and the broader Danish public consuming evidence-based health knowledge. Strategic positioning emphasizes practical, evidence-based outputs addressing public health challenges including childhood obesity, menopause management, diabetes prevention, cardiovascular disease, and nutrition in low-income settings.

Name

Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports by The University of Copenhagen

Legal name

Institut for Idræt og Ernæring

Website

https://nexs.ku.dk

Company type

Public

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (Institut for Idræt og Ernæring) at the University of Copenhagen conducts world-class research and education in sports science, nutrition, and human physiology, ranked 2nd globally in Sport Science. It serves Danish and international research participants, students, grant funders, and the public via large-scale population studies, educational programs, facility rentals, and evidence-based knowledge platforms.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Research

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Medical Laboratories (8071)

akta.pro primary industry

Biomedical Sciences & Medical Research Institutes (University-Based) (EDAHAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nutrition & Dietetics Schools (EDAHAGAK), Athletics Facilities & Venue Management (EDALAIAL)

Keywords

• Sports science research
• Human nutrition research
• Exercise physiology studies
• Public health education
• Sports facility rentals

Headquarters

HQ city

Copenhagen

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (Institut for Idræt og Ernæring) at the University of Copenhagen conducts interdisciplinary scientific research and delivers higher education in sports science, human nutrition, and clinical nutrition. It operates research infrastructure (metabolomics, biobank, research kitchen, clinical test facilities) and runs large-scale public health studies. It also rents sports halls, swimming halls, dance halls, tennis courts, and gymnasium facilities to clubs, associations, and private users, primarily through København Kommune.

Product overview

The Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports (Institut for Idræt og Ernæring) at the University of Copenhagen operates as a research and educational institution offering a portfolio of research projects, educational programs, and public-facing knowledge platforms. Key offerings include the KiSO (Kvinder i Sund Overgang) Knowledge Portal - an evidence-based menopause information platform; the BasketMatematik educational program integrating math into physical education; and the Generation Sunde Børn research project focused on children's health. The department also provides facility rental services for sports venues and operates an alumni network. These products work together as interconnected research initiatives and educational resources aimed at improving public health through exercise, nutrition, and scientific research.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KISO/KiSO (Kvinder i Sund Overgang): A national research and dissemination initiative focused on women's health during menopause, providing evidence-based knowledge to women, healthcare professionals, and workplaces.
• Generation Sunde Børn
• Center for Holdspil og Sundhed

Products and services

• KiSO Knowledge Portal An evidence-based online knowledge portal providing Danish women with information about menopause, including symptoms, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, alcohol), and treatment options. Includes exercise programs for muscles, joints, and pelvic floor.
• BasketMatematik (Basketball Mathematics) Program An 8-week educational program integrating fraction mathematics into basketball activities in physical education classes, connecting math concepts (fractions, percentages) directly to basketball performance metrics for school children.
• Generation Sunde Børn (Generation Healthy Children) A 2-year research and community project involving approximately 2,000 children in grades 1-3 across 23 schools in Zealand and Southern Denmark, focusing on movement, nutrition, sleep, and digital habits to promote healthy weight, development, and well-being while addressing social inequality.
• Sports Facility Rental Services Rental of sports facilities at Nørre Allé campus including Kong Frederik IX Hallen (1000 DKK weekday/1200 DKK weekend per hour), Swimming Hall (1200 DKK weekday/1500 DKK weekend per hour), Sports Hall (550/600 DKK), Dance Hall (400/500 DKK), Men's Gym Hall (450/500 DKK), Tennis courts (2000 DKK per season, June-August), and a climbing wall (600/650 DKK). Private rental available only from 16:00-23:00 weekdays and 8:00-18:00 weekends, primarily for the full season (September-June).
• Alumni Network for Exercise, Human Nutrition, and Clinical Nutrition Alumni network for graduates from the department's programs offering professional development events, networking, and research updates distributed 1-2 times annually via newsletters and gatherings.
• KiSO Menopause Survey A national questionnaire survey on menopause sent to women aged 45-59 living in Denmark, conducted every 3 years to provide insight into women's health and menopausal experiences. The 2024-2025 round yielded 153,800 respondents from 575,863 invited (27% response rate).
• KiSO Cohort Study A long-term research project following 200 women through their menopause physiologically, socially, and personally for up to 25 years to enable interdisciplinary understanding of menopause complexity.
• MoMS (Mother's Micronutrient Supplement) Research International research collaboration between Denmark, Norway, and Kenya to develop and test improved multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS+) for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. Primary study site in Bungoma County, Western Kenya, with target recruitment of 3,000 pregnant women.
• En skov for alle (A Forest for All) Research Project A research and communication project developing guidelines for good cyclist behavior to reduce conflicts between mountain bikers, runners, and other forest users in Danish forests, conducted through qualitative case studies in four forest areas and partnered with DGI-Cykling.
• Center for Holdspil og Sundhed (Center for Team Sports and Health) Research center that studies team sports as effective training for patients with chronic diseases including hypertension and COPD, with documented outcomes of 10-12 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure after 12 weeks of team sports for hypertensive patients.
• Bachelor and Master Degree Programs in Sports Science and Nutrition University degree programs including Bachelor in Physical Activity and Sports Science, Master in Humanistic-Scientific Sports Science, and related programs in Human Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition offered by the department.
• BOOKIT Facility Booking System Local booking system for the department's sports facilities including swimming pool, Kong Frederik IX Hallen, gymnasiums, dance studios, and outdoor areas.
• ACTIVE SCHOOL Research Project Research project examining how physical activity can be integrated into school teaching to enhance learning outcomes in children.
• PLAYMORE Research Initiative Research initiative focused on movement-based learning approaches in educational settings.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15% improvement in fraction calculation among school children participating in Basketball Mathematics program
• +6 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• DGI-CyklingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration partner in 'En skov for alle' project developing guidelines and communication tools for mountain bikers and gravel riders in Danish forests
• Steno Diabetes Center GrønlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration on genetic factors affecting diabetes risk in Greenlandic Inuit population
• University of VeronaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research collaboration on green exercise comparing physical activity in natural vs urban vs indoor environments, funded by EU's NextGenerationEU program and iNEST initiative
• Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead institution for MoMS project in Kenya with researchers Zipporah Bukania and others conducting the study in Bungoma County
• University of Bergen (Norway)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration with Professor Tor A. Strand on MoMS project studying micronutrient supplements for pregnancy and lactation
• Bispebjerg HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical collaboration on diet research for type 2 diabetes patients studying effects of reduced carbohydrates on cardiovascular risk factors
• Institut for Folkesundhedsvidenskab (Department of Public Health)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-anchoring department for KiSO research initiative together with Institut for Idræt og Ernæring; joint research on women's health including menopause research
• Syddansk Universitet (University of Southern Denmark)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in Generation Sunde Børn project with Institute for Idræt og Biomekanik and Statens Institut for Folkesundhed
• Frederiksberg og Bispebjerg HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCenter for Klinisk Forskning og Forebyggelse (Center for Clinical Research and Prevention) partnership in Generation Sunde Børn project
• Steno Diabetes Center CopenhagenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Afdelingen for Forebyggelse, Sundhedsfremme og Samfund (Division for Prevention, Health Promotion and Society) in Generation Sunde Børn project

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• University of Bath, Department for Health: UK research department with strong overlap in exercise, health, and sport science; ranked globally in Sport Science alongside NEXS and similar in research output profile.
• Bispebjerg Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine: Co-ranked 2nd globally with NEXS in Shanghai Ranking Sport Science; clinical research partner of NEXS with overlapping research portfolio in exercise and chronic disease.
• University of Southern Denmark (Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics): Direct Danish peer and confirmed research partner on Generation Sunde Børn; conducts overlapping research in physical activity, sport science, and public health.
• University of Jyväskylä, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences: Finnish counterpart conducting interdisciplinary research in exercise physiology, sports science, and health promotion; comparable in mission and Nordic public-sector funding model.
• Loughborough University School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences: One of the world's top sport science research and teaching departments; comparable in research scope, graduate output, and ranking competitiveness to NEXS in Shanghai Ranking.
• University of Exeter, Sport and Health Sciences: UK research department with comparable research focus on exercise, nutrition, and public health; competes for similar international sport science grants and rankings.
• Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (Norges idrettshøgskole): Direct Nordic peer in sport science research and education; both are public university-level institutions focused on exercise physiology, sport science, and public health research.

Regional players

• Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen: Danish clinical research partner on diabetes and population health projects with NEXS; comparable in translational research on metabolic disease and lifestyle interventions.

Broad incumbents

• Karolinska Institutet (Department of Biosciences and Nutrition): Sweden's leading medical university with comparable nutrition and exercise research; broader but overlapping in metabolism, public health nutrition, and clinical research.
• Wageningen University & Research (Human Nutrition and Health): Globally recognized nutrition research institution; comparable in nutrition science research depth and international grant-funded project portfolio.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/idr%C3%A6t-og-ern%C3%A6ring

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports by The University of Copenhagen