image: Professor in biophysics Mogens Høgh Jensen, the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen has been awarded the Norwegian Gunnar Randers’ Research Prize in recognition of his groundbreaking research in complex systems. view more
Credit: Niels Bohr Institute
Professor in biophysics Mogens Høgh Jensen, the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen has been awarded the Norwegian Gunnar Randers' Research Prize in recognition of his groundbreaking research in complex systems.
"Mogens Høgh Jensen has made outstanding contributions to many problems in modern physics, especially concerning phase transitions and critical phenomena as well as chaos theory, turbulence and complex systems. His work has lead to an increased fundamental understanding in many areas of materials research, complex materials and processes in biological systems", read the prize committee's justification for awarding this year's prize to Mogens Høgh Jensen.
He was informed of the prize while in Bangladore in India in connection with a research collaboration and a very happy Mogens Høgh expressed over the phone: "The prize means a great deal to me. As a researcher you do not always know whether your work is recognized as you are always in a whirlwind of competition with other groups. When a committee of highly esteemed researchers single you out and recommend you for a prize, you feel as though your colleagues around the world have 'accepted' what you have done".
He adds that it provides great satisfaction. Research is a very special type of work where you are often unsure whether you can contribute something new because so many others are trying all the time. When it is successful it a great experience. It is also a recognition that you have participated in good collaborations around the world.
The collaboration truly is worldwide and for a number of years Mogens Høgh as had a particularly good relationship with the Norwegian scientific community through his research collaborations and as an opponent to doctoral dissertations.
Prize awarded by King Harald
The Gunnar Randers' Research Prize was established in 2001 by the Norwegian Institute for Energy Technology, and is awarded every second year in recognition of scientific research in the area of physics, specifically work leading to advances in basic knowledge and technological breakthroughs.
The prize will be given out at a celebration on the 4th of May and the ceremony will be conducted by the Norwegian King Harold. In addition, the Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education, Tora Aasland and the Director General of The Research Council of Norway, Arvid Hallen will be present. The prize also comes with 100.000 Norwegian kroner.