I was in disbelief It is with sadness that we received the news of the death of Professor of Chemistry Hans Rene Björsvik on August 3 at the age of 60.
Hans Rene was educated Civil engineer in organic chemistry at NTH Trondheim (1987), then started as a researcher at Nycomed. Here he used advanced analytical techniques in the systematic planning of experiments and, among other things, made a strong contribution to the development of the industrial production of the X-ray contrast agent Visipaque, which soon became a world leader. Based on this work, he obtained his PhD from Umeå University. Then the road went to Politecnico di Milano, where he worked for 3.5 years and met Lucia, who became his wife.
He returned to Norway as Head of Research and Development at Borregaard, before being appointed in 1999 as Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bergen (UiB). He became a professor in 2002.
Hans-Ren attended UiB Enthusiastically embarked on research in synthetic organic chemistry with the overall goal of developing new molecules to combat serious diseases. Together with skilled colleagues, he developed efficient methods for producing a number of different types of molecules. This led to several patents and became the basis for the creation of Fluens Synthesis AS. Through his research activity, he has also trained a number of master’s and doctoral candidates.
Hans Rene had it Unique understanding that developing new drugs requires close collaboration between chemists and colleagues in the medical environment. In such work he showed his own ability to make creative connections and, when he died, he was heavily involved in various projects aimed at curing cancer with colleagues in the Hawklands Environment and nuclear medicine issues at the PET Centre.
through their cooperation With the doctors, Hans-Renner realized that the development would require skilled technicians who could operate the medical-technological 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 the most popular UiB studies.
Hans Rene He left too early and left a huge void. Our thoughts go especially to the family, Lucia and his two daughters, Benedict and Beatrice, who meant so much to him and who often visited the chemistry department. We pray for his memory.
On behalf of colleagues and friends.
Lev K. Siddense, Bengt-Eric Hogg, Knut Borf, Torgrim Engel
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