By Rikke Bajlum Nielsen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Photo: AAU

Honored for his exceptional contribution to the development of the heating, ventilation, and indoor climate industry

The award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the heating, ventilation, and indoor climate sector – both in Denmark and internationally. And Alireza Afshari has done so to an exceptional degree.

He has led numerous research projects focusing on indoor climate, energy savings, and innovative ventilation solutions. Through his work in both Danish and international research collaborations – including WHO, IEA, and ISIAQ – he has helped shape future standards and practices. One of his latest initiatives is the Horizon Europe project ENTRANCE, which aims to enable smart-grid solutions for CO₂-neutral buildings by integrating energy efficiency, flexibility, renewable energy, and user engagement.

The project recognizes the central role of buildings in Europe’s green transition and will demonstrate advanced digital and integrated solutions across six European demonstration sites – including Denmark – with a focus on both comfort and economic value. Alireza Afshari has also played a key role in building the research environment around indoor climate and building systems in Denmark. He has educated and mentored an entire generation of researchers and specialists through his extensive supervision of more than 15 PhD students and several postdoctoral researchers.

He has been invited as a keynote speaker, workshop leader, and committee member at the most prominent international conferences in the field – most recently at AIVC 2023, one of the world’s leading professional forums for ventilation and indoor climate. He has put Denmark on the map, not least through his role as program leader, evaluator, and reviewer in EU projects and research councils around the globe.

It is the connection between research, practice, and visionary solutions that has defined Alireza Afshari’s career and made him a source of inspiration throughout the industry. Congratulations to a distinguished figure who has truly made a difference.

The award ceremony took place during Danvak’s Annual Meeting at the Danish Technological Institute in Taastrup on October 1, 2025.

See also Danvaks LinkedIn-post about the award: