Bo Fritzbøger

Bo Fritzbøger is an Associate Professor at the SAXO-Institute within the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in environmental and landscape history with a focus on Danish and Scandinavian contexts since the early modern period. His academic career spans over three decades, including leadership roles as Deputy Director of the Saxo-Institute (2015-18) and director of the Centre for Cultural Studies in Sustainability (2012-13).

His educational background includes a Mag. art (Master of Arts) in 1987, a Ph.D. in 1992, and a Dr.phil. (higher doctorate) in 2004. Key appointments include serving as Director of Studies for the Saxo-Institute (2007-2010), overseeing approximately 2,000 students across 13 study programs, and contributing to the development of the MA Climate Change program (2009-12).

Professor Fritzbøger's research examines human-environment interactions through projects like the modern breakthrough of Danish forestry (1873-1926), cultural histories of ancient oaks, and evolving perceptions of forestry (1921-2021). His teaching covers early modern Danish microhistory, European environmental history since 1500, and agrarian landscape transformations, emphasizing socio-ecological dynamics and property rights evolution.

Analysis of his 141 research outputs reveals consistent focus on sustainability conceptual history, forest policy evolution, and micro-scale environmental change. His recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary integration of climate history, policy analysis, and cultural studies, with growing emphasis on contemporary relevance of historical environmental management practices.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Carlsberg Foundation Postdoctoral Scholarship (2000-2002)
• Carlsberg Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship (1986-87)
• Research Council for the Humanities Scholarship (2003)

Professor Fritzbøger actively supervises students in environmental history and has directed major interdisciplinary projects including Land-Use History and Plant-Diversity, Borders in the Landscape, and Cultural Processes in Nordic Woodland Communities. His grant leadership extends to UCPH's Sustainability Science Center steering committee (2012-14) and current membership in UCPH's One Planet Board (2025-present).

He maintains significant research infrastructure through the Centre for Cultural Studies in Sustainability and collaborates extensively with Danish environmental agencies, notably the Forest and Nature Agency and Society of Danish Hedgerow Planters, while contributing public scholarship through 12 press/media engagements and 78 academic activities including IARU-Conference organization.