Profile

Research

My research focus on the understanding of the dynamics of microbial metabolic or physical interactions in complex microbial systems, including investigations of plasmid transfer, phage behavior and metabolic interactions . A particular focus have been on foods and food processing environments. This include understanding the occurrence and control of pathogenic microorganisms in the food chain and understanding microbial interactions and their importance in the production of different foods as for example cheese. The research is often assisted by the use of mathematical modelling, which enables us to better understand the complex microbial interactions and guides us towards the best suited lab experiments to gain fundamental insights about a given microbial system. Mathematical modelling has also been used to assess the risk of pathogens in food or food chain. As part of my research, I have chaired and co-chaired more than 10 projects over the last 10 years.

Management

Head of Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering). The department conducts research, educates future bio-engineers, provides scientific advice and innovate within the areas of microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology and biomedicine. The research at DTU Bioengineering is at the highest international level and focuses on the societal and scientific challenges within the field. Research is conducted within three main areas: Microbial ecology and physiology, Industrial biotechnology and cell factories, and Biomedicine and health. The department has extensive collaboration with national and international research units and industries. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 150 employees, of which 2/3 is scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.