Luciana Tavares is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark. Her research focuses on advanced capacitor technologies, dielectric materials, and additive manufacturing processes, with significant contributions to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, nanocomposite thin films, and surface engineering. Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Denmark Center for Industrial Electronics Her research spans dielectric material optimization , metallized film capacitors , and additive manufacturing of metallic components , aiming to improve energy storage efficiency, mechanical integrity, and surface properties in power electronics. She explores the interplay between microstructure and performance in 316L stainless steel and develops surfactant-modified nanocomposite capacitors. Recent work includes helium-ion irradiation for dielectric enhancement , flow plate roughness in fuel cells , and high-voltage aluminum polymer capacitors . Her projects are supported by foundations like Norlys Vækstpulje and Villum Experiment. Scientific Awards : Villum Grant - Villum Experiment (2021) She supervises projects on dielectric properties , metallization ratios , and UV treatment of biaxially oriented polypropylene , while participating in conferences like PCIM Europe and Hydrogen & P2X. Collaborations include institutions in Germany and Denmark, with expertise in nanofibers, thin films, and surface science.
Andrei-Alexandru Popa is an Associate Professor at the SDU Mechatronics department within the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark. His work focuses on additive manufacturing, conductive materials, and biomedical applications of 3D printing technologies. Research Interests: Additive manufacturing of metals and polymers, friction welding, gyroid structures, and sensor-integrated mechanical designs. Key Contributions: 15 recent publications examine mechanical behavior of 3D-printed components (stainless steel, titanium, and polymers), hybrid manufacturing approaches, and biomedical implant optimization. Scientific Awards: Recipient of TEK Teacher of the Year 2022. Collaborations: Active in international research networks with emphasis on mechanical engineering and material science applications.
Mohammad Malekan is an Associate Professor at the SDU Mechatronics (CIM) within the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark. His research spans computational solid mechanics, fatigue and fracture mechanics, tribology, additive manufacturing, and structural integrity of metallic/composite materials. Research Focus: Additive manufacturing (L-PBF, FDM), finite element modeling (FEM/XFEM), material characterization, surface roughness optimization, and defect propagation in metallic structures. Scientific Contributions: Over 61 publications with expertise in fatigue analysis of titanium components, thermal load modeling in machining, and fracture mechanics of 3D-printed alloys. Awards: Recipient of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Postdoc Fellowship, Distinguished PhD Thesis award (2018), and multiple postdoctoral scholarships. Collaborations: Active in European Mechanics Society, Ingeniørforeningen (IDA), and international projects on additive manufacturing and structural repair. Recent Research Trends: Focus on laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of 316L stainless steel and Inconel 625, investigating microstructure-mechanical property correlations, post-heat treatment effects, and porosity analysis using X-ray nanotomography. His work also addresses tool wear optimization, friction effects in machining, and multi-scale modeling of defects in additive-manufactured components. Scientific Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoc Fellowship (2019) Distinguished PhD Thesis (2018) Postdoctoral Fellowships (2017) Four-year PhD Scholarship (2013) Teaching & Supervision: Supervised Master’s theses on topology optimization of additively manufactured parts and teaches courses in finite element methods, experimental solid mechanics, and advanced mechanical engineering topics. Labs & Teams: Leads research projects on fatigue analysis of additively manufactured titanium components and mechanical properties of metallic parts. Collaborates with international institutions on structural health monitoring and computational modeling.
Karen Pantleon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in Materials and Surface Engineering. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advanced materials research for energy and industrial applications. Her research spans materials science with emphasis on surface engineering, corrosion mechanisms, microstructure evolution, and high-temperature processes. She employs X-ray diffraction and electrodeposition techniques to investigate phase transformations in Ti-Nb-Zr alloys and thermal stability of tungsten composites for nuclear fusion environments, alongside corrosion resistance in steel for solid oxide cell systems. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate strong focus on energy materials, including photovoltaic efficiency enhancement through novel interfacial layers and long-term corrosion behavior in industrial alloys. Key trends involve microstructural restoration in embrittled tungsten composites and sustainable metallurgical processes. Scientific Awards: SOFT2024 PhD Poster Prize Winner (2024) Dr. Pantleon actively supervises four PhD students across major projects including "Martensitic Transformations in Ti-Nb-Zr alloys" and "Thermal Stability of Tungsten Fiber-reinforced Composites". Her research is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and the "Green Steel UG" project for sustainable iron exploitation in Uganda, addressing critical challenges in fusion energy and green steel production. She leads key initiatives within DTU's Materials and Surface Engineering group, collaborating internationally on plasma-facing materials for fusion reactors and sustainable metallurgy solutions aligned with global decarbonization goals.
Magnus Bolt Kjer is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in laser powder bed fusion systems and open-architecture additive manufacturing solutions. His work bridges engineering design, material science, and advanced manufacturing processes. His research focuses on Additive Manufacturing , particularly Laser Powder Bed Fusion for metals and polymers, with emphasis on Gas Flow Dynamics , Open Architecture Systems , and Microstructural Evolution of metal composites. Key projects involve optimizing inert gas flow, benchmarking polymer systems, and upgrading legacy control architectures to enhance manufacturing precision and accessibility. Recent publications reveal strong trends in open-source hardware development for metal L-PBF systems, microstructural analysis of steel composites, and solving obsolescence challenges in industrial powder bed fusion. His work consistently integrates systems engineering principles to advance open-architecture frameworks across material types. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in provided materials. Dr. Kjer completed his PhD in March 2024 under the project "Open Architecture Systems for Laser Powder-bed Fusion" supervised by D. B. Pedersen. He actively presents findings at international conferences, including detailed gas flow analyses for metal L-PBF systems, and collaborates extensively with researchers like V. K. Nadimpalli on experimental validation studies. He operates within DTU's additive manufacturing research ecosystem, contributing to teams focused on next-generation powder bed fusion technology through experimental rigs like the Open Architecture Polymer L-PBF system. Current work emphasizes real-time process monitoring and cross-flow optimization for industrial scalability.
Anni Bygvrå Hougaard serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science, specializing in Ingredient and Dairy Technology. Since October 2023, she has concurrently held the position of Deputy Head of Department for Teaching (VILU), which occupies approximately half her working hours. Her career spans over 15 years of research and teaching with extensive collaboration with Denmark's dairy industry across product development and processing scales from molecular interactions to pilot experiments exceeding 100L. Her educational background includes a PhD in Food Science from the University of Copenhagen (2010) and an MSc in Food Science and Technology/Dairy Science (Mejeriingeniør) from The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (2006). Professional development encompasses pedagogy training (2012-2013), powder technology studies at Lund University (2014), and project management certification (2016). Research centers on dairy product functionality, examining composition-processing-property relationships with emphasis on milk powder stability, protein interactions, and rheological behavior. Current investigations address spray drying dynamics, acidification effects, and microstructural analysis using advanced techniques like super-resolution microscopy and SAXS. Her work bridges fundamental science with industrial applications to optimize dairy ingredient performance. Recent publications (2022-2026) demonstrate consistent focus on dairy protein behavior under processing conditions, particularly casein aggregation mechanisms, powder surface chemistry, and gel microstructure. Key trends include multi-parameter analysis of protein interactions, in situ structural monitoring during thermal/acid treatments, and characterization of whey protein effects in model systems. Teaching responsibilities include coordinating Dairy Product Technology 1 & 2 since 2021, supervising master's and bachelor's theses since 2010, and developing high school laboratory programs. She lectures on raw material quality and has coordinated multiple dairy-focused courses including internships and process engineering modules. Her research operates within the Ingredient and Dairy Technology section, leveraging industry partnerships for real-world validation. Current projects examine stickiness mechanisms in acidified milk powders and feed formulation effects on spray drying deposition, with implications for industrial dairy ingredient manufacturing.
Natalja Genina serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in personalized pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug delivery innovation. Her work bridges cutting-edge production technologies with healthcare system integration. Her educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology from University of Helsinki (2010) M.Sc. in Pharmacy from University of Tartu (2006) Research centers on developing personalized dosage forms through printing technologies, non-destructive quality control systems, and digital platforms for on-demand drug production in pharmacies, industries, or homes. She investigates regulatory and societal impacts through interdisciplinary collaboration with Social and Clinical Pharmacy researchers, focusing on patient-oriented products and controlled drug delivery systems. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate dominant trends in 3D pharmaceutical printing, particularly binder jetting and fused deposition modeling for patient-tailored products. Key themes include microstructure analysis of printed tablets, stability of antidepressant formulations, near-infrared/Raman imaging for quality assessment, and QR-encoded smart dosage systems - reflecting convergence of material science, precision medicine, and digital health. She mentors MSc and PhD students through problem-based learning and research integration, with many MSc students publishing papers before graduation. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes student ownership of ideas and active critical thinking through case studies and collaborative problem-solving. Leading the Pharmaceuticals, processes and products research group, she maintains international collaborations focused on translating personalized medicine concepts into practical healthcare solutions while addressing regulatory and distribution challenges.
Mogens Larsen Andersen serves as a Professor with special responsibilities in the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. His research centers on mechanistic understanding of oxidative changes in foods, with expertise in Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) spectroscopy applications for studying lipid/protein oxidation and molecular mobility in complex food systems. Education: PhD in Chemistry, University of Copenhagen (1993) MSc (cand.scient.) in Chemistry, University of Copenhagen (1990) Research Focus: Professor Andersen investigates antioxidant-prooxidant dynamics in food matrices, particularly in beverages (beer/wine) and dairy products. His work combines physical chemistry principles with practical food stability challenges, examining how microviscosity, phase transitions, and radical intermediates affect shelf-life. Current projects explore ozone applications for grain preservation and molecular mechanisms behind beer haze formation. Publication Trends: Recent work (2025-2026) reveals concentrated efforts in beverage stabilization (addressing oxidation in beer), dairy powder functionality , and alternative preservation methods like ozone treatment. These studies consistently bridge fundamental radical chemistry with industrial food quality challenges. Professional Engagement: Editorial Board, Journal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists (2013-present) Invited Member, Brewing Science Group (European Brewery Convention) Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Brewing Science Education (University of Copenhagen & Scandinavian Brewing School) Teaching & Mentoring: He leads the BSc "Food Chemistry" course and PhD "ESR Spectroscopy" course while contributing to beverage technology and brewing modules. Though specific student names aren't documented, his courses train next-generation food scientists in analytical techniques and stability mechanisms. Research Infrastructure: Andersen operates within the Ingredient and Dairy Technology section, utilizing ESR spectroscopy facilities for radical studies while collaborating with brewing industry partners through the European Brewery Convention network.
Jose Carlos Bonilla Oliva serves as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science at the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on food colloids microstructure using advanced physical characterization techniques. Educational background: PhD in Food Science, Purdue University (awarded May 9, 2020) His primary research integrates food structure analysis with computational methods, specializing in microscopy, rheology, and texture properties of colloidal systems. He develops machine learning approaches for image analysis to quantify microscopic features in food matrices, bridging fundamental science with practical applications in food product development. His recent publication in Food Hydrocolloids (2025) demonstrates machine learning applications for droplet quantification in colloids, reflecting a growing trend toward computational image analysis in food science. This work advances precision in microstructural characterization with implications for texture engineering and functional food design. No scientific awards or student advising information is documented in available sources. Laboratory collaborations appear focused on country-level external partnerships as indicated by network visualization data, though specific team structures remain unspecified.
Julie Knippel Melsted Birch serves as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, specifically within the Pathobiological Sciences section at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Her work bridges veterinary medicine, orthopedics, and infectious disease research with a particular focus on bone infections and implant-related complications. Dr. Birch's research interests center on peri-prosthetic joint infections, osteomyelitis, and the development of animal models to study human orthopedic conditions. Her work investigates bacterial pathogenesis in bone tissue, immune responses to infection, and innovative treatment approaches for implant-associated infections. She has made significant contributions to understanding how bacteria invade bone microstructures and how the immune system responds to these challenges. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing and utilizing porcine and minipig models to study bone infections, with particular attention to Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis, neutrophil responses, and biomarker identification such as Serum Amyloid A. Her research spans basic science investigations of bacterial invasion mechanisms through translational work on novel antibiotic delivery systems. Dr. Birch is actively engaged in academic service and scholarly activities, regularly presenting her research at major conferences including the European Bone and Joint Infection Society meetings, EORS conferences, and Danish Bone Research Workshops. She has participated in numerous conferences between 2022-2025, demonstrating ongoing scholarly productivity and engagement with the international research community. Her academic work extends to veterinary education, where she has developed innovative teaching methods for veterinary anatomy courses, focusing on improving demonstration exercises and student engagement in practical learning environments. Dr. Birch maintains an active research laboratory focused on bone infection pathogenesis and treatment, collaborating with researchers across disciplines including microbiology, orthopedics, and biomedical engineering.
Gertrud Malene Hjortø is an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, specializing in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology. Her research focuses on chemokine receptors, particularly CCR7, and their role in immune cell recruitment and positioning in the body. Dr. Hjortø leads a research group of four people and teaches approximately 550 hours per year across various medical and dental programs at the university. Dr. Hjortø earned her PhD from the Department of Molecular Biology and Virology at the University of Copenhagen and Novo Nordisk in 2002. Her educational background includes a Master's degree from Novo Nordisk A/S and the Department of Molecular Biology at KU (1996-97), and undergraduate studies in Biology (1992-97) and Biochemistry (1991-92) at the University of Copenhagen. Dr. Hjortø's research centers on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chemokine receptors, with special emphasis on CCR7 and its ligands CCL19, CCL21, and CCL21Tailless. Her work investigates how these receptors control immune responses through dendritic cell and T cell recruitment to lymph nodes. A key discovery from her lab is that post-translational modifications of chemokine receptors can be targeted with externally added peptides to enhance ligand-receptor interactions. This led to a patent application for "Chemotaxis potentiating peptides and uses thereof," which aims to improve immune responses, particularly in cancer immunotherapy. Her research employs classical pharmacological methods, time-lapse microscopy for tracking immune cell migration, and analysis of receptor-mediated signaling events. The publication record of Dr. Hjortø demonstrates a strong focus on chemokine receptor pharmacology, with recent work expanding into related receptors like GPR183 and broader applications in cancer immunotherapy and inflammatory diseases. Her most recent publications (2022-2024) explore structural determinants of receptor-ligand interactions, biased signaling, and the role of glycosaminoglycans in chemokine presentation. Many of her papers involve international collaborations, particularly with researchers in the United States, reflecting the global nature of immunological research. Patent: "Chemotaxis potentiating peptides and uses thereof" Research funding from Innovation Foundation Denmark (2021, 1.385.000 DKK) Novo Nordisk BII grant (2020, 952.000 DKK) Carlsberg Foundation grants (2018, 600.000 DKK; 2013, 380.000 DKK) PoC KU grant (2018, 225.000 DKK) Gangsted Foundation grant (2015, 340.000 DKK) AP Møller Foundation grant (2014, 46.000 DKK) Dr. Hjortø actively supervises multiple graduate students across various projects related to chemokine receptor pharmacology and immune cell migration. Her supervision spans PhD, M.Sc., and B.Sc. levels, with current projects including "Immune boosting peptides for improved immune cell activation" and "Microshaping hydrogels and their chemistry in 3D for optimizing/validating DC migration." She has secured significant research funding from multiple Danish foundations and international organizations, supporting her work on chemokine receptor modulation and its therapeutic applications. Dr. Hjortø collaborates with leading researchers worldwide, including Brian F. Volkman and Christopher T. Veldkamp from Wisconsin (US), Benjamin A.H. Jensen from the University of Copenhagen, and cancer immunotherapy experts Inge Marie Svane and Pawel Kalinski. Dr. Hjortø leads the Hjortø group, which investigates how CCR7 and its ligands orchestrate immune responses through controlled recruitment of dendritic cells and T cells to lymph nodes. Current work explores the potential of C21-TP (a naturally occurring peptide) to improve dendritic cell-based anti-cancer vaccines. The group employs advanced techniques including time-lapse microscopy for tracking immune cell migration, pharmacological analysis of receptor signaling, and structural studies of receptor-ligand interactions.
Jens Risbo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in food material science and physical chemistry of foods. His research focuses on the relationship between physical transformations of food matrices and chemical reactions, with particular emphasis on glass transitions, dry foods, and transport processes in food and food packaging. He has contributed significantly to applying thermodynamic and kinetic concepts in food science and developing molecular gastronomy as a scientific discipline. Dr. Risbo earned his MSc in Chemical Engineering (1994) and PhD in Chemistry (1997), both from the Technical University of Denmark. His academic journey includes positions as Assistant Professor at the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University of Denmark (KVL) from 1998 to 2002, followed by his current role as Associate Professor since 2002. His research spans food material science, physical chemistry of foods, and molecular gastronomy. He investigates the relation between chemical and physical processes and vitality of dried bacteria cultures, using colloidal principles for food delivery systems. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications in food technology, including industrial collaborations with over 10 companies. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on food structure-property relationships, particularly in dairy products, plant-based alternatives, and food colloids. His research combines physical chemistry principles with innovative food processing techniques, showing increasing interest in sustainable food systems and novel food formulations. Member of Editorial Board, Journal of Food Biophysics (since 2006) Editor on special issue of Flavor (journal) on Gastro physics (2012) Dr. Risbo has supervised and co-supervised 12 PhD projects and numerous Bachelor's and Master's students. He has developed innovative teaching approaches for physical chemistry using examples from food, cooking, and living. His industrial collaborations include patent submissions regarding encapsulation technology and principles for measuring permeability of non-detectable gases. His research group works on applying thermodynamic and kinetic concepts to food science problems, with particular expertise in food material science, glass transitions in dry foods, and molecular gastronomy. The team collaborates with various companies to translate fundamental research into practical food technology applications.
Tomasz Pawel Czaja serves as an Assistant Professor within the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. His academic role focuses on advancing food analytics and biotechnology through the development of rapid spectroscopic techniques for real-time monitoring of food production processes, aiming to enhance product quality while minimizing environmental impact in alignment with green transition initiatives. His research integrates Raman, NIR, IR, and LF-NMR spectroscopy with advanced chemometric data analysis to address critical challenges in food quality assessment and sustainable production. Key focus areas include optimizing spectroscopic methodologies for food screening, reducing resource consumption in processing, and ensuring future food security through innovative analytical approaches that balance efficiency with ecological responsibility. Analysis of his 2025-2026 publications reveals a systematic application of vibrational and magnetic resonance spectroscopies across diverse food matrices—including dairy systems, starch-based products, plant-protein alternatives, and cereal goods. Recurring themes encompass food authenticity verification, microstructural characterization, lipid oxidation control, and predictive modeling for quality parameters, demonstrating consistent methodological innovation in support of sustainable food industry practices.
