Anja Ramstedt Jensen

Anja Ramstedt Jensen is a Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. She serves as head of the TARGETS research team and holds an Affiliate Professor position with the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, CMP. Her research focuses on Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), which plays a critical role in malaria pathogenesis.

Dr. Jensen's research interests center on the immunology and pathogenesis of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria with particular emphasis on cerebral malaria in children. Her work investigates how PfEMP1 proteins enable parasites to adhere to capillaries and contribute to disease development. She is actively involved in enhancing malaria research capacity in Africa and has published extensively on malaria immunology and vaccine development.

Her research output shows a strong trend toward understanding the molecular mechanisms of cerebral malaria, with recent publications focusing on PfEMP1 variants, blood-brain barrier disruption, and antibody responses. The work spans structural biology, immunology, and translational research aimed at developing interventions for severe malaria.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Young Scientist Faculty prize winner, The Faculty of Health Sciences, UCPH (2004)
• Howard Hughes International Scholar (2005)
• Lundbeck Ascending Investigator (2019)

At the university, Dr. Jensen teaches immunology to undergraduate and graduate students and serves as University Coordinator for the MSc course 'Chronic Inflammation. From Basic Research to Therapy.' Her research group regularly offers bachelor's and master's projects related to malaria research, indicating active mentorship of early-career scientists. The TARGETS team maintains extensive international collaborations, particularly with African research institutions, reflecting her commitment to building malaria research capacity on the continent where the disease burden is highest.