Thomas Elbenhardt Jensen

Thomas Elbenhardt Jensen is Professor in the Section of Human and Molecular Physiology within the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. He was promoted to Full Professor in 2024 after serving as Associate Professor from 2013-2024, and previously held a Danish Research Council postdoctoral fellowship from 2009-2012.

His educational background includes a PhD in skeletal muscle cell signaling and glucose metabolism (2008) supervised by Erik A. Richter, and an M.Sc. in Exercise Physiology (2002-2003) with research conducted at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, Australia. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto from 2010-2011.

Professor Jensen's research centers on skeletal muscle as a plastic tissue that adapts to physical activity and inactivity. His work investigates molecular signaling mechanisms controlling muscle adaptation, with implications for understanding diabetes, obesity, and cancer. He employs techniques including mass spectrometry and microscopy to study cell signaling pathways involving mTORC1, AMPK, Rac1, and actin dynamics.

His recent publications (2025) reveal a strong focus on mitochondrial function, redox signaling, and metabolic regulation in skeletal muscle. Key research themes include hydrogen peroxide dynamics in muscle wasting, mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways, and the relationship between muscle metabolism and systemic conditions like cancer and aging. His work often examines how skeletal muscle responds to environmental challenges at the molecular level.

Professor Jensen teaches cell biology and human physiology courses. His research group, part of the August Krogh Section for Molecular Physiology, investigates muscle growth and metabolism with direct relevance to lifestyle and aging-related diseases. The group maintains active collaborations with international researchers as evidenced by their extensive publication record of 115 research outputs.