Epitranscriptomics Professors and Supervisors in Denmark

Henrik NielsenView profile

Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Henrik Nielsen is a Professor with special responsibilities at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, where he leads research in the Transcription, RNA, and Gene Medicine Program. His academic journey includes a Master's (1983) and PhD (1990) in Molecular Biology from the University of Copenhagen. He has held progressive academic positions since 1984, including Associate Professorships at the University of Copenhagen and University of Tromsø, before attaining his current professorship. His research focuses on RNA biology with emphasis on: Epitranscriptomics and specialized ribosomes in immune function, development, and cancer Catalytic RNA mechanisms including ribozymes and splicing RNA-guided nucleotide modifications and helicase functions Novel RNA cap structures and lariat capping ribozymes Recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate strong focus on ribosomal RNA modifications, ribosome heterogeneity, and their functional impacts across biological systems including skeletal muscle, stem cells, and microbial organisms. The work consistently integrates molecular biology with physiological contexts. Awards include: Teacher of the Year 1998 from the Health Science Faculty He leads the H Nielsen research group and maintains active collaborations through networks including InnControl (Norwegian Research Council) and COST Translacore. Key collaborators span institutions in Copenhagen, Göttingen, Toulouse, and Stockholm.

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Yaël NossentView profile

Associate Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Yaël Nossent serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen, specifically working within The August Krogh Section for Molecular Physiology. With an active research profile evidenced by numerous publications from 2023-2025, Dr. Nossent maintains a strong presence in cardiovascular and molecular research. Dr. Nossent's research focuses on the intersection of molecular biology and cardiovascular physiology, with particular expertise in RNA biology and its implications for vascular diseases. Their work spans several key areas: Molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease Non-coding RNA and epitranscriptomics in atherosclerosis RNA modifications and their role in stroke and cerebrovascular conditions Biomarker development for cardiovascular events and stroke Molecular diagnostics in cardiovascular medicine Cardiovascular complications of diabetes Analysis of Dr. Nossent's recent publications reveals a strong focus on RNA biology as it relates to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Their work spans basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with particular emphasis on non-coding RNAs, RNA modifications, and their diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The research shows consistent collaboration with international teams and participation in major research initiatives like the EU-CardioRNA COST Action and AtheroNET COST Action. Several publications have garnered significant attention, with one paper on RNA editing events accumulating over 100 social media shares and 26 Mendeley readers. Dr. Nossent maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions and participates in significant research networks focused on cardiovascular RNA biology. Their work has been published in high-impact journals including British Journal of Pharmacology, Vascular Pharmacology, Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids, and Cardiovascular Diabetology, demonstrating growing scholarly impact as evidenced by citation metrics across multiple publications.

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Anna SherwoodView profile

Assistant Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Anna Sherwood is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Computational and RNA Biology. She holds a PhD in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from Ohio State University (awarded 2015), where her thesis focused on T-box riboswitch gene regulation in Actinobacteria. Her research bridges RNA biology , virology , and plant genetics , with emphasis on RNA modifications (e.g., m6A), viral RNA mechanisms (HCV), spliceosome dynamics, and riboswitch-mediated gene regulation. She employs cutting-edge methods like nanopore direct RNA sequencing and computational genomics. Publications (2016–2023) reveal consistent themes: RNA epitranscriptomics in plants/viruses, spliceosomal regulation, and evolutionary genetics of crops. Noteworthy articles include a 2023 Nature study on HCV RNA capping and a 2022 Nature Communications paper on yam chromosome evolution. No awards, students, or grants are detailed in available sources.

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Christel Hougård EnrothView profile

Researcher

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Christel Hougård Enroth is a Forensic geneticist at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, working within the Department of Forensic Medicine. Her research integrates molecular genetics with forensic applications, utilizing advanced sequencing methodologies. Her research interests focus on RNA biology and molecular techniques, particularly RNA structure-function relationships, epitranscriptomic modifications, and optimization of sequencing library preparation. This work bridges plant molecular biology and forensic genetic analysis, demonstrating interdisciplinary innovation in nucleic acid research. Dr. Enroth's publication record shows consistent contributions to high-impact journals, with research trends emphasizing technical advancements in RNA modification detection and sequencing methodologies. Her collaborative work with J. Vinther's group indicates strong integration within Copenhagen's molecular biology research ecosystem. As an active researcher, she maintains direct contact through university channels and continues to contribute to evolving forensic genetic methodologies through molecular innovation.

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Sophia Julia HäfnerView profile

Assistant Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Sophia Julia Häfner serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, conducting research through the Lund Group at the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC). Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms linking RNA modifications to cellular decision-making processes and disease pathways. Her research spans RNA epigenetics (epitranscriptomics), ribosomal biology, and immunological regulation, with particular expertise in 2′-O-methylation dynamics of ribosomal RNA and its impact on cell fate determination. She investigates how dysregulation of RNA modification pathways—particularly through proteins like FUS and snoRNA networks—influences developmental processes, innate immune responses, and disease states including cancer and infection. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory examining RNA modification machinery as a central regulator of cellular identity and immune function. Her work consistently bridges molecular biochemistry with physiological outcomes, demonstrating how ribosomal RNA modifications serve as epigenetic control points for cell differentiation and host-pathogen interactions across multiple biological contexts. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: The source material contains no information regarding student supervision, grant funding, or research mentorship activities. Labs and Teams: Dr. Häfner operates within the Lund Group at BRIC, a collaborative research environment focused on molecular and cellular mechanisms in disease pathogenesis, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to study RNA biology, epigenetics, and immune regulation.

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Judith Margarete GottweinView profile

Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Judith Margarete Gottwein is Professor at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She also serves as Afdelingslæge at the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP) in the Department of Infectious Diseases at Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre. Her research group focuses on basic and translational virology, with long-term emphasis on hepatitis C virus (HCV) and more recent work on SARS-CoV-2. Medical Doctor Degree (MD), Heidelberg University (2001) Doctoral Degree (Dr. med.), Heidelberg University (2001) License to Practice Independently as a Medical Doctor in Germany (2003) License to Practice and License to Practice Independently as a Medical Doctor in Denmark (2005) Professor Gottwein's research spans virology with a focus on hepatitis C virus and SARS-CoV-2. Her team pioneered development of HCV cell culture systems for major genotypes and is developing whole virus inactivated HCV vaccine candidates. They study neutralizing antibodies, antiviral efficacy, and resistance mechanisms. Recent work includes development of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate and studies of antivirals against emerging variants. Her publication record shows a consistent focus on viral genetics, vaccine development, and antiviral resistance. Recent articles demonstrate her group's leadership in developing HCV vaccine candidates that induce cross-genotype neutralizing antibodies and in studying resistance mechanisms for both HCV and SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. The research combines molecular virology, immunology, and translational approaches to address pressing public health challenges. EASL Prizes (2007, 2009) International Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus and Related Viruses Prizes (2007, 2008, 2010) German Academic Scholarship Foundation Fellowship (1994-2001) Multiple invited presentations at major international conferences Professor Gottwein has supervised numerous students including 7 Master's students, 8 completed PhD students, and 6 ongoing PhD students. She has led research projects funded by Innovation Fund Denmark, Independent Research Foundation Denmark, The Carlsberg Foundation, The Novo Nordisk Foundation, and other major funding bodies. Her management experience includes establishing research facilities at CO-HEP that grew from 3 to over 50 members since 2005. She leads the CO-HEP research group at the University of Copenhagen, which has developed from a small team to a major virology research center with over 50 members. Her laboratory specializes in cell culture systems for HCV and SARS-CoV-2, vaccine development, and antiviral resistance studies. The group maintains extensive national and international collaborations with institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia.

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Nicolai KroghView profile

Assistant Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Nicolai Krogh serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He is affiliated with the Transcription, RNA, and Gene Medicine Program and is part of the research group led by H Nielsen. Dr. Krogh's research focuses on RNA biology with particular emphasis on catalytic RNA and epitranscriptomics. His work explores ribosomal RNA methylation, RNA processing mechanisms, and the functional implications of RNA modifications in cellular processes. His research spans molecular mechanisms of RNA regulation and their implications in cellular physiology and disease contexts. Analysis of Dr. Krogh's publication record reveals a strong focus on ribosomal RNA 2'-O-methylation, its regulation by various factors including RNA helicases and GPATCH proteins, and its impact on cellular functions ranging from translation regulation to cell fate decisions. His work also extends to related areas such as ribosome heterogeneity in specialized cell types like skeletal muscle fibers and connections between RNA modifications and immune function. Dr. Krogh has established significant research collaborations across multiple institutions, as evidenced by his co-authorship on numerous high-impact publications in prestigious journals including Nucleic Acids Research, Nature Communications, Developmental Cell, and Nature Structural and Molecular Biology. His work has garnered substantial attention in the scientific community with multiple publications receiving significant citations and media coverage.

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Finn KirpekarView profile

Associate Professor

University of Southern DenmarkDenmark

Finn Kirpekar is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Southern Denmark. His research spans Methyltransferase enzymes, RNA modification , antimicrobial resistance , and proteomics . Key research themes include: RNA methylation mechanisms (16S rRNA, 28S rRNA) Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli Marine microbiology in deep-sea Trench ecosystems Base excision repair pathways in immunoglobulin gene diversification Recent publications focus on 16S rRNA methyltransferases , colistin resistance proteomics , and ZCCHC4-mediated RNA modifications . He serves as a peer reviewer for journals like Pathogens and International Journal of Molecular Sciences , and has conducted teaching activities in Beijing.

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Mads LerdrupView profile

Associate Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Mads Lerdrup is an Associate Professor at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, where he leads research in the Molecular Aging Program. His work focuses on understanding how mammalian organisms handle inbuilt genomic conflicts of interest, particularly during embryonic development. Education Ph.D., University of Copenhagen (2007) M.Sc., University of Copenhagen (2002) Dr. Lerdrup's research centers on the remarkable genomic environment during mammalian fertilization and early embryonic development. His laboratory investigates extensive genomic reprogramming, epigenetic mark rewriting, and retrotransposon activity during these critical stages. He has pioneered the development of single-cell and low-input genome-wide methods to study replication stress in early mammalian embryos and the factors that instruct changes in oocyte and embryo epigenomes. His work has resulted in a comprehensive software suite for genome-wide data analysis (easeq.net). His recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to understanding transcription-replication collisions, histone modifications, DNA replication in embryos, and mitochondrial dysfunction related to aging. His research spans multiple high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Nature Biotechnology, Science Advances, and Nature Genetics. Dr. Lerdrup maintains an active research network with collaborations across multiple countries and has developed a side business as founder and owner of the consulting firm genessence (2022-2025). Research Activities Establishment of new single-cell and low-input genome-wide methods Identification of causes for replication stress in the early mammalian embryo Identification of factors instructing changes in oocyte and embryo epigenomes

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Sarah RennieView profile

Assistant Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Sarah Rennie serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Computational and RNA Biology. Her research focuses on RNA modifications and their implications in cancer biology, particularly gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancers. Her primary research interests span RNA modifications, noncoding RNA biology, cancer epigenetics, and bioinformatics. Current work investigates N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications in pancreatic cancer progression, tumor microenvironment adaptations, and computational approaches for RNA analysis. Her lab develops and benchmarks bioinformatic tools for lncRNA research and RNA editing detection, bridging wet-lab experiments with computational modeling. Recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to understanding RNA modification roles in cancer, with 2024-2025 work appearing in high-impact journals including Cancer Science , Cell Reports , and EMBO Journal . Her research shows strong emphasis on translational applications, particularly in developing RNA-based cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Rennie serves as Editor for the journal Non-coding RNA (2023), demonstrating leadership in the field. Her work receives consistent attention across academic platforms with multiple mentions on X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Bluesky, and Mendeley. Her laboratory operates within the Computational and RNA Biology section at Ole Maaløes Vej 5 in Copenhagen, utilizing both experimental and computational approaches to study RNA modifications in disease contexts. Current projects focus on acid microenvironment adaptations in pancreatic cancer and deep learning applications for RNA modification analysis.

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Martin JanssonView profile

Assistant Professor

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Martin Jansson is an Assistant Professor at the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC) within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. He leads research in ribosome biology and microRNA regulation in cancer, with a focus on translational control mechanisms and their implications for disease. Dr. Jansson completed his DPhil in Medical Sciences at the University of Oxford in 2008, focusing on the regulation of p53 and the DNA damage response. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at the University of Copenhagen (2008-2015), research assistant positions at the University of Oxford (2005-2008) and University of Glasgow (2001-2005), and earlier research experience at Queensland University, CSIRO, and Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. His research interests center on ribosome heterogeneity and its impact on translational control, microRNA biology in disease, and the regulation of cell cycle, cellular stress response, apoptosis, and cancer. His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with potential therapeutic applications in oncology. Dr. Jansson's publication record shows a consistent trajectory of high-impact research, with recent articles in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2025), Developmental Cell (2023), and Trends in Biochemical Sciences (2022). His work on ribosomal RNA modifications and specialized ribosomes has garnered significant attention, with multiple publications receiving over 100 citations each. His 2023 paper on ribosomal RNA 2'-O-methylation demonstrated how these modifications impact cell fate decisions The 2022 review on translational control through ribosome heterogeneity has been cited over 79 times His foundational 2016 paper on rRNA profiling established evidence for ribosome heterogeneity Dr. Jansson collaborates extensively within the Lund Group at BRIC and with international researchers across multiple disciplines. His work has been featured in news outlets and discussed across social media platforms, indicating broad scientific impact beyond traditional citation metrics. He maintains an active research program investigating how specialized ribosomes contribute to translational control and how dysregulation of these processes leads to cancer and other diseases, with several recent publications continuing to advance this field.

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