Newsletter: Green and peaceful: Poul Nissen prioritizes taking the train

It could amount to many kilometers in the air if vice-dean for research Poul Nissen used the plane for all his work trips.

In the first two months of the year, he has been on six work-related trips. But they have all been made by train.

"I always travel by train, instead of flying or driving, if it's possible. I find it to be the most comfortable way to travel, and it's easy to combine with reading and writing work. For me, train time is part of my workday on travel days," he says.

Train travel is not just a matter of comfortable seats and quiet reading time for Poul Nissen. Considerations of the environmental impact of travel methods also play a role.

"As AU employees, we should help lead the way to a green transition. It sends an important signal that we choose climate- and energy-friendly modes of travel and don't let time pressure and convenience justify always hopping on a plane," he says.

He believes it's important to send a clear signal by choosing climate- and energy-friendly modes of travel and consider timing in planning work and rest.

Especially because meeting and exchanging ideas and knowledge with colleagues all over the world is a central part of life as a researcher.

"It's extremely important that we meet with our colleagues – including those we need to fly to reach. But one might consider how much one gets out of a conference before traveling to, say, the USA. If you really want to meet colleagues, create new contacts, and be engaged, then I think you should go. But if you're just going to give your own talk and otherwise check emails, write manuscripts, and show off on social media, then you might as well give an online lecture. Hybrid works fine too, and sometimes you just have to suggest it yourself!"

Most of Poul Nissen's work trips go from Aarhus to Copenhagen, but he also chooses the train for longer distances. The longest trip on the rails went to Heidelberg in Germany.

"It took a bit longer than it would have to fly there, but in return, it was quality time. I could sit relaxed and undisturbed all the way, so I got a lot of work done," he shares, adding, "- but it probably becomes more complicated if the train journey extends the travel with extra overnight stays."