My name is Mette Bjerre and I am affiliated with the Medical/ Steno Aarhus Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University and Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus (SDCA), Aarhus University Hospital.
As a researcher, molecular biologist and associate professor, I am interested in the interplay between the immune system and metabolic changes, with a particular focus on patients with diabetes and obesity.
In addition, my area of responsibility at the Medical/Steno Research Laboratory is quality assurance of our biomarker analyses as well as development of new immunoassays.

Current research
My research group focus on the immunometabolism. We investigate the interaction and regulation of metabolism by molecules and cells of the immune system in patients with risk of developing diabetes- and/or obesity-related complications, such as fibrosis.

Taking advantage of models mimicking cellular communication, characterization of tissue biopsies from clinical trials and by analysis of circulating biomarkers, we aim to understand the mechanisms behind low-grade inflammation and the development of metabolic complications and to identify potential treatment targets.

Your thoughts on the Inflammation Network & the Steering Committee
Networking is extremely important in research. Inflammation, acute, low-grade or chronic, plays an important role in almost any disease development, and when participating in the Network meetings and talks at AU, I often find mutual interests with researchers at AU/AUH working within different disease areas.

I value research collaboration with scientific diversity and my scientific network, includes researchers with specialties within endocrinology, cardiology, obesity, cancer, epidemiology, biochemistry, physiology and medical technology.

I have recently joined the steering committee at the Inflammation Network and I am looking very much forward to participate in facilitating new collaborations and knowledge exchange across disciplines combining clinical and basic research.