According to the prize committee, Professor Jensen, who teaches at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, was given the award “for his groundbreaking basic research on complex matter 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,” writes the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE).

The IFE is based in Kjeller outside Lillestrøm in Skedsmo municipality, and is an research institute for energy and technology. One of its missions is working towards a CO₂-free, climate-friendly energy system. 

Prof. Jensen learned about winning the Gunnar Randers Research Prize while collaborating on research in India’s Bangalore.

“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,” Prof. Jensen said in a phone interview, according to a press release.

He has collaborated with the Norwegian research community for many years, including as program committee member and lecturer at many of the Advanced Study Institutes, the “Geilo Schools”, in addition to being a frequent referee for the Research Council of Norway.

The NFE has awarded the Gunnar Randers Research Prize, amounting to 100,000 kroner, biannually since 2001, and recognizes work in the field of physics of condensed matter , specifically that result in technological advances, innovation, or that furthers basic knowledge.

The award ceremony will take place on May 4^th at the Institute for Energy Technology in Kjeller and will be conducted by His Majesty King Harald. Also in attendance will be Norwegian Minister of Research and Higher Education, Tora Aasland, and Arvid Hallen, Director General of The Research Council of Norway.

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