Elisabeth Therese Ulrikkeholm

Describe your field of work and current role 
I am currently working as a Principal Scientist at FOSS. We are developing analytical equipment for the food industry. My field of research has been X-ray spectroscopy applied on the analysis of meat. My main responsibilities have been to build up our competencies within the field of X-ray physics, to develop the core technology of our newest X-ray based instrument and to participate in the development of new applications for our existing X-ray platform.

What has your path been from starting at university until today?
My path has been a bit unusual. I completed my master’s degree from the Niels Bohr Institute in 2010. After that I needed a break from academia and worked as a teacher at DTU Admission course for almost 2 years, teaching high school level physics for students who needed to elevate their level in physics.
After this I felt that it was time to expand my horizon and learn something new. The next step in my career was to do a Ph.D. I wanted to work with the green transition and started looking for a project where I could combine my passion for physics and fundamental research with my desire to develop new, green sources of energy. That was the reason I did my Ph.D. in the research group CINF (Center For individual Nanoparticle Functionality) where I researched new materials for Hydrogen Fuel cells. After my Ph.D. I did a Post Doc for 2 years in the same research group.   
After having worked with Fuel cells at the university for 5 years, I wanted to be a part of the “real world” implementation of this new technology, and I decided to change path and start working at a startup company that was developing fuel cells based on the technology that I had worked with in my Ph.D. and Post Doc.
After having worked in a small startup, I wanted to try to work for a larger company. I wanted to have a larger group of colleagues. I started working for FOSS in the early spring of 2017.

What can be done to strengthen applied STEM research & innovation in Denmark?
I truly believe that both the universities and the High-Tech industry can benefit from a stronger collaboration. By bringing these institutions closer we can all benefit from the synergies and make the distance from academic discoveries into innovative products shorter.

What will you use your YATSI membership for? 
I believe that science cannot exist in a vacuum, it needs to be perceived and used. During my work as an R&D engineer, I have learned that the best ideas come from collaborations between scientists with different backgrounds and that the most groundbreaking results arise in the intersection between fields. I find it extremely inspirational to learn about the different scientific approaches used by scientists in different fields. A membership will boost my innovative mindset and expand my horizon.

Who's the person behind the member?
I have two children and have just returned to work after maternity leave with my son. I have lived I Copenhagen for the last 20 years but have recently moved to the suburbs in northern Zealand. I love spending time in nature and to rediscover the beauty and wonders of the world through the eyes of my children.