Michael Ryan Hansen

Prof. Dr. Michael Ryan Hansen is a full Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany, where he has led the Hansen research group since 2015. His group focuses on advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy applied to polymers, supramolecular structures, functional inorganic materials, and energy storage systems. Prior to his current role, he was an Assistant Professor at Aarhus University’s iNANO and Department of Chemistry (2013–2015), and a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz (2010–2013).

Education:

• PhD in Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark (2006)
• Cand. scient. (MSc equivalent) in Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark (2003)
• BSc in Physics and Chemistry, Aarhus University, Denmark (2001)

Research Interests:
Prof. Hansen’s work centers on the development and application of solid-state NMR techniques to study structure–dynamics relationships in materials. His group investigates fluorinated polymers, graphene nanoribbons, ionic conductors, zeolites, and supramolecular systems. A major focus is on energy-relevant materials, including lithium- and sodium-ion conductors, solid-state electrolytes, and thermally stable polymers for battery applications. Method development is another cornerstone of his research, involving advanced pulse sequences, wideline NMR, and the integration of DFT calculations.

Scientific Contributions & Awards:
Although specific awards are not listed, Prof. Hansen has authored over 150 peer-reviewed papers since 2015 in top-tier journals such as Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie, and Advanced Materials. His work on pressure-induced dislocations in lithium argyrodites and the synthesis of curved graphene nanoribbons has been highly cited, reflecting significant impact in materials chemistry and energy storage.

Research Group & Collaborations:
The Hansen group comprises post-docs, PhD students, and master’s students working on projects funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Collaborations extend across Europe and include partners such as Aarhus University, MPI Mainz, and international synchrotron facilities. The group operates state-of-the-art solid-state NMR spectrometers (400–850 MHz) and maintains strong ties with the university’s mechanical, electronics, and chemical workshops for custom instrumentation.