Kirsten Wiese Simonsen

Kirsten Wiese Simonsen is a Forensic Chemist and PhD at the Section of Forensic Chemistry within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. With a Cand. Pharm. degree from 1984 and a PhD in clinical and analytical chemistry from 1988, she has extensive experience in forensic toxicology and drug-related research.

Her career path includes positions at:

• Retskemisk Institut, Copenhagen (1 year)
• Retsmedicinsk Institut, Odense University (1989-1997)
• Retskemisk Afdeling, Aarhus University (1997-2001)
• Retskemisk Afdeling, University of Copenhagen (2001-present)

Dr. Simonsen specializes in forensic chemistry with research interests focused on method development, street-level drug analysis, drug-related deaths, and the relationship between drugs and traffic safety. Her work has significant implications for public health policy and forensic science practices.

Her research demonstrates consistent focus on drug-related mortality patterns across Nordic countries, impaired driving due to substances, and forensic toxicology methodology. She has led significant projects including the Nordic collaboration on drug-related deaths (which she has coordinated since 2007) and the Gadeplansprojektet (which she has led since 2000).

Dr. Simonsen has contributed to important European research initiatives, most notably the DRUID project (2006-2011) which aimed to establish harmonized EU regulations for combating driving under the influence of alcohol, medicines, and drugs.

Her scientific contributions have been recognized through:

• 54 research outputs including journal articles, reports, and conference presentations
• Collaboration in Nordic and European research networks
• Policy impact with references in policy sources
• Media attention with coverage in news outlets and social media

Dr. Simonsen has served on various committees related to drugs and drug-related deaths, including committees under the Ministry of Justice (1989-1997), and various committees of the Danish Health Authority and Police. She has been involved in establishing projects like Gadeplansprojektet and Extasyprojektet.

Her laboratory work focuses on forensic chemical analysis, particularly in the areas of drug testing, toxicology, and method validation for detecting substances in biological samples.