Håvard Jenssen

Håvard Jenssen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oslo, specializing in bioactive peptides and peptidomimetics within the Section for Chemical Life Sciences (Biomolecules, Bio-inspired Materials and Bioanalytics). His research focuses on antimicrobial applications against drug-resistant pathogens, with laboratory space in room Ø 202 at Sem Sælands vei 26.

His primary research encompasses the design, synthesis, and mechanistic study of antimicrobial peptides and peptidomimetics targeting WHO priority pathogens including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida auris. He investigates structure-activity relationships, membrane interactions, and resistance mechanisms using chemical biology, biophysical methods, and biological assays. His work bridges chemical synthesis with therapeutic applications in infectious disease.

Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal dual research trajectories: antimicrobial peptoid development against multidrug-resistant pathogens and AI-driven medical imaging for hepatic vessel segmentation. This demonstrates an evolution from foundational anti-HSV peptide studies (2004-2006) toward broader antimicrobial applications and interdisciplinary collaboration with medical researchers.

He actively participates in the Bio3 - Chemical Life Sciences research group at the University of Oslo, fostering collaborative work in chemical biology, biomolecular sciences, and translational research with clinical applications.