It is with great sadness that we learned that chemistry professor, Hans Rene Bjørsvik, died on August 3 at the age of 60.
In 1987, Hans Rene graduated as a civil engineer in organic chemistry at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH) in Trondheim, but before that he had studied engineering at Østfold University of Engineering (ØIH). The exam was conducted by a Tune technician in 1983.
After graduating from NTH, he started as a researcher at the former Nycomed, where he used advanced analytical techniques in the systematic planning of experiments. Among other things, this was used to develop the industrial production of the X-ray contrast agent Visipaque®, which is still a world leader.
Hans Rene used his experience in Nycomed to obtain his doctorate at Umeå University, where he defended his thesis in 1995.
In 1994, he returned to his hometown when he started as a senior researcher in Beauregard’s research department, where he later became a group leader. His time at Beauregard also led Hans Rene to the Politecnico di Milano, where he worked for three and a half years.
In Milan he met Lucia, who became his wife. He returned to Norway as Head of the Department of Research and Development at Beauregard University, before being appointed in 1999 as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bergen (UiB). Here he became a professor in 2002.
At UiB, Hans Rene enthusiastically embarked on research in organic chemistry and especially synthetic organic chemistry, where the overall goal was to develop new molecules to combat serious diseases. In collaboration with skilled colleagues, he also developed efficient and more environmentally friendly methods in synthetic organic chemistry. This led to several patents and became the basis for the founding of Fluens Synthesis AS.
Hans Rene had a unique understanding that the development of new medicines requires close cooperation between chemists and their colleagues in the medical environment. He had a special ability to establish good professional and collaborative relationships.
When he died, he was deeply involved in several projects aimed at curing cancer with colleagues on environmental issues and nuclear medicine at Hawklands at the Center for Positron Emission Tomography (PET). He also had many fruitful international cooperative projects.
Through his collaboration with doctors, Hans Rene realized that the development would require skilled technicians who could operate technological medical equipment and also develop it in a clinical context. In this way he became one of the architects of the five-year integrated Master’s program in Medical Technology, which is now one of UiB’s most popular studies.
A number of Master’s and PhD candidates greatly enjoyed Hans Rene’s strong enthusiasm and extensive professional knowledge, but his personal qualities also provided good guidance and follow-up. He was popular as a lecturer and laboratory supervisor.
Hans Rene retained his local patriotism and connection to Sarpsborg throughout his life. He has followed the Sparta ice hockey team for many years, first on the Sparta Amvi, then on television and the Internet.
He also loved discussing results, progress and all the fun things, but also the great importance of the Sarpsborg 08 success story for the region and the city of Sarpsborg. He was a huge fan of AC Milan and fondly remembered his visits to San Siro with family, friends and colleagues from his time at Beauregard.
Hans Rene died very early and left a huge void. Our thoughts go especially to the family, Lucia and her daughters Benedict and Beatrice who meant so much to him, but also to the family in Sarpsborg.
We pray for his memory.
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