"This is a crucial area of research,"

says Professor Claus Oxvig, and he knows what he's talking about. He has worked at MBG since 1992, and on 1 November he will become head of the department.

"Molecular biology is a crucial field of research if we want to understand the fundamental processes in living organisms. From the atomic level to the interaction between cells in living organisms. Molecular biology is also playing a bigger and bigger role in solving a wide range of societal problems thanks to the development of new diagnostics, new drugs, new sustainable foods."

Claus Oxvig initially joined Aarhus University as a medicine student. However, it did not take long for him to realise he was going to become a disease researcher rather than a medical doctor.

"I always knew I wanted to conduct research in human biology, and the first part of the medicine programme had exactly the subjects that would take me in the right direction. Even though the programme was very much geared towards practicing medicine, and I studied alongside future doctors, I was attracted to the natural sciences," says Claus Oxvig.

To the forefront

Claus Oxvig believes the time is right to become the head of MBG.

"I’ve led my research group since 1998, and we have continuously made major discoveries. I believe I can be valuable as head of the department because of my many years of experience with international research collaboration, fundraising and teaching. But it's also sad to have to leave behind some of my tasks as a professor, especially research," says Claus Oxvig.

Claus Oxvig's focus area is proteins, and together with his research group, he has developed an understanding of the role of proteins in regulating growth factors, particularly in relation to age-related diseases. A body of research that has been published in recognised journals with thousands of citations.

Claus Oxvig believes that his in-depth knowledge of the department's research will be a great advantage for his role as head of department.

"When I in the future spar with a research director about their plans and ideas, or help facilitate the development of major strategic initiatives, I believe that I can do so with more credibility as I’ve been through something similar myself. I'm also very curious and being interested in other people’s projects comes naturally to me. I hope I’ll be a good sparring partner," says Claus Oxvig.

Taking over a department in top form

Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Birgit Schiøtt, looks forward to welcoming Claus Oxvig as head of department:

"Claus is a responsible and highly respected research leader who knows this department inside and out, and he has a good understanding of how to strengthen the department's position nationally and internationally. Claus takes over a department that is in top form, internationally recognised and finally united on a single campus. I owe Erik a debt of gratitude for that, and I'm very happy that Claus is taking up the baton," says Birgit Schiøtt.

She would like to emphasise Claus Oxvig's dedication to students and education.

"The labour market is calling for graduates who have an academic background in molecular biology, and Claus has demonstrated that he understands that we need to continue providing students with solid theoretical knowledge that they can put into practice. He also knows that success is best when it's shared and that everyone's efforts are needed to make the department run smoothly," says Birgit Schiøtt.

Current head of department, Associate professor Erik Østergaard Jensen, will step down at the end of October. He will remain at the department and take care of the Life Science Hub, among other things.
 

More about Claus Oxvig

If you Google 'zebrafish' in combination with 'Aarhus University', Claus Oxvig's name will appear at the top of the search results. Claus Oxvig and his research group introduced the zebrafish as an animal model at AU and later as a core function that other researchers benefit from. The zebrafish has a genome similar to that of humans, making it a very suitable and broadly applicable laboratory animal.

Claus Oxvig was born in 1963, lives in Højbjerg with his wife, has two children, and is an avid runner and sea kayaker.

Contact

Professor Claus Oxvig
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
co@mbg.au.dk
+45 30 36 24 60