Vidar Remi Jensen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bergen (UiB), where he leads research at the intersection of computational chemistry and catalyst design. His work focuses on developing theoretical frameworks to understand and predict catalyst behavior, with particular emphasis on olefin metathesis reactions. Professor Jensen's research interests center on computational approaches to catalyst design, with major contributions in Z- and E-selective olefin metathesis, automated de novo design of organometallic complexes, and computational-experimental integration for catalyst development. His group applies advanced quantum chemical methods, particularly Density Functional Theory (DFT), to elucidate reaction mechanisms, predict catalyst performance, and develop design principles for improved catalytic systems. Recent work has increasingly focused on automated design frameworks that can generate and evaluate potential catalyst structures based on computational predictions. Analysis of his publication record from 2021-2025 reveals a strong focus on stereoselective metathesis, computational catalyst design, and biomass conversion applications. His work demonstrates consistent integration of computational predictions with experimental validation, often through international collaborations. A notable trend is the development of automated frameworks for catalyst design that move beyond traditional trial-and-error approaches. Professor Jensen's research program benefits from sustained funding that supports both computational infrastructure and collaborative experimental work. His group maintains active collaborations with experimental chemistry groups worldwide, creating a productive feedback loop between computational prediction and experimental validation. This approach has yielded significant insights into catalyst decomposition pathways, structure-activity relationships, and design principles for improved catalytic performance. The research environment led by Professor Jensen provides students and researchers with opportunities to work at the cutting edge of computational catalyst design, developing skills that bridge theoretical chemistry and practical applications in sustainable chemistry and pharmaceutical synthesis.
