Nikolaj has a long career at DTU, where he completed his PhD in biotechnology in 1999. He has since then held several positions at DTU systems biology (now DTU bioinformatics) – most recently as associate professor, group leader and senior researcher. He also spent 4 years as senior department manager at Novozymes A/S.
He considers himself as an innovative, team-focused research leader and scientist thriving in the interface between high-profile basic academic science, applied sciences, and industrial commercialization.
DNA has been a primary focus of Nikolaj and he holds several patents on novel human growth factor genes. He also initiated the first metagenomics project at DTU (DNA of the Polar Seas) in 2005 as part of the Danish marine expedition, Galathea 3. This adventure took him to the north pole, the arctic and the antarctic.
In recent years, his focus has been on the emerging field of quantum biology, which involves the effect of electromagnetic fields on living matter. One of the key components in this understanding is water.
As part of his stay at CERE, he will work closely with Prof. Kontogeorgis to write several funding applications with a focus on the biological aspects of water
Nikolaj will have his office at DTU KemiTeknik, building 229, room 206.