Bo Hjorth Bentzen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, where he leads the Molecular Cardiology and Membrane Proteins research group. He is also a member of the Department Leadership team and represents The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences in the UCPH Quantum HUB network. PhD in Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen (2010) M.Sc. in Human Biology, University of Copenhagen (2006) B.Sc. in Dentistry (2002) Pasteur Program in Leading and Managing Innovation, Harvard Business School (2015) Dr. Bentzen is a skilled ion channel electrophysiologist and pharmacologist with both academic and pharmaceutical training. His primary research focuses on diagnosing, understanding, and treating cardiac arrhythmia. He specializes in ion channels, electrophysiology, cardiac arrhythmia pharmacology, and novel ion channel targets for treatment of atrial fibrillation. His work combines drug discovery knowledge with cell, tissue, and animal experiments to understand heart physiology and develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cardiac disorders. His recent publications show a strong focus on cardiac electrophysiology, particularly related to atrial fibrillation. His research examines potassium channels (KCa2, SK, KV7.1), sodium channels, and their roles in cardiac arrhythmias. Much of his work involves translational research, with several clinical trials investigating novel treatments for atrial fibrillation. His publication record also demonstrates interdisciplinary work connecting virology and cardiology, particularly in studying viral ion channels. Dr. Bentzen teaches dentistry, medical, medtech, and human biology students in cell biology, kidney physiology, and cardiac physiology and pharmacology. He serves as course leader for the Novo BRIDGE program "Translational tools I" and the PhD course in Innovation at SUND, UCPH. He supervises bachelor, master, and PhD students. His industry experience includes roles as a Consultant (Principal Scientist) at Acesion Pharma since 2017, and previously as Senior Scientist and Research Scientist at the same company. He directs research initiatives including the "Novel safe and effective pharmacological treatment for atrial fibrillation" project, a joint effort between University of Copenhagen and Acesion Pharma funded by Innovation Fund Denmark. He also serves on the steering committee of Arla Food for Health, a public-private research partnership.








