Peter Kjær Willendrup

Peter Kjær Willendrup serves as a Senior Research Engineer and Special Consultant at the Department of Physics at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), where he has been employed since January 2012. He is also seconded to the European Spallation Source (ESS) Data Management and Software Center (DMSC), initially at 33% capacity from June 2014 to January 2023, and at 100% capacity since April 2023. His primary role involves leading major computational projects that support neutron and X-ray scattering research infrastructure.

Willendrup's research spans multiple disciplines including neutron & X-ray scattering, computational physics, computer science, data analysis, project management, and software development. His work focuses on creating simulation tools for neutron scattering instrumentation, with particular emphasis on applications for the European Spallation Source in Lund, Sweden. He has made significant contributions to computational methods for neutron scattering experiments and instrument design.

His publication record shows a strong trend toward neutron instrumentation development for the ESS facility, with increasing focus on simulation techniques, data analysis methods, and computational approaches to optimize neutron scattering experiments. Recent work demonstrates growing integration of machine learning techniques with traditional simulation methods, particularly for assisting users with model selection in neutron scattering experiments.

Willendrup leads two major software projects: McStas (since 2002), which is world-leading in simulation of instrumentation for neutron scattering and virtual neutron scattering experiments, and McXtrace, its X-ray equivalent. These projects involve collaboration with multiple international institutions including DTU, ESS, NBI, ILL, and PSI.

His educational background includes an M.Sc. in Physics and a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Copenhagen (1992-2000). Prior to joining DTU, he worked as a research assistant at Rigshospitalet's Neurobiology Research Unit (2000-2002) and briefly as a physics teacher at Skt. Annæ Gymnasium (1998-1999). He is multilingual, speaking Danish, English, Swedish, German, and French fluently.