My research field is mitochondrial medicine. We conduct genetic diagnostics and research on inherited mitochondrial disorders, with a focus on fatty acid oxidation disorders. We support newborn screening programs and integrate patient diagnostics with research on molecular disease mechanisms. Our research focuses on mitochondria as energy and stress-signalling organelles. In recent years, we have extended our studies into mitochondrial dysfunction and stress-signalling in chronic fatigue and pain syndromes, studying ME/CFS, long-COVID, post-concussion syndrome, and neuropathic pain.
We utilize patient-derived dermal fibroblasts, immune cells, and iPSC models, and apply advanced molecular methods, including functional genomics, proteomics, extracellular bioenergetic flux analysis, and fluorescence imaging techniques, to characterize novel disease genes, pinpoint disease mechanisms, and identify treatment targets.
Film production about mitochondrial biomarkers from inborn metabolic diseases to ME/CFS. 2023. Olsen RK, Aarhus University in collaboration with DTU Academy and Meedom Kommunikation. Financed by Novonordisk Fonden. https://www.biotechacademy.dk/undervisning/gymnasiale-projekter/biomarkoerer/
In addition to supervising pre- and post-graduate students, I contribute to research training through theoretical and experimental PhD courses in molecular medicine. I serve on the PhD Committee at the Graduate School of Health and the Education Board for the Medicine Master’s Program at Aarhus University. I coordinate and develop elective courses and international summer schools in the Medicine Master’s Program.
I have played a central role in establishing interdisciplinary initiatives, including the Research Honors Program, the PhD Program in Translational Molecular Medicine, and the cross-faculty PhD Program in Molecular Medicine.
I share and develop my knowledge with peers, patients, and society. I am frequently invited to speak at international meetings, and I participate in public debates by providing interviews to the press on topics within my research field. Funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, I have produced three films to promote my research and educate the younger generation in mitochondrial biomarker research.
I am a member of the scientific boards, the International Network for Fatty Acid Oxidation Research and Management (INFORM) and the European ME Research Group (EMERG). I organize and chair scientific sessions at these leading international meetings, shaping the scientific field and fostering research networks.
I am a member of:
The National Neonatal Screening Group, Denmark
The steering committee for the International Network for Fatty Acid Oxidation Research and Management (INFORM) - https://informnetwork.org/
European ME Research Group (EMERG) - https://www.emerg.eu/em-index.shtml
Advisory Board, the Danish ME Association - https://me-foreningen.dk/me-advisory-board/
The PhD Committee, Graduate School of Health, Aarhus University
Education Board of Medicine Master Studies, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University