Professor Bjørk Hammer stands as a distinguished leader in computational surface physics and materials science at Aarhus University in Denmark. He currently holds a professorship in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and serves as a key investigator at the Center for Interstellar Catalysis, where his work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in energy and materials design. With over two decades of research experience, Professor Hammer has established himself as a leading authority in the computational modeling of surface phenomena and catalytic processes at the atomic level. His appointment as a VILLUM Investigator recognizes his exceptional contributions to advancing our understanding of material interfaces through innovative computational approaches. Professor Hammer's academic journey has positioned him at the forefront of interdisciplinary research connecting physics, chemistry, and computational science.
Professor Hammer's pioneering work in developing quantum mechanical methods for calculating atomic interactions has significantly advanced the field of surface science, with his research garnering over 65,000 citations according to Google Scholar metrics. His innovative integration of machine learning techniques to accelerate computational simulations has transformed how researchers approach complex material systems, particularly in graphene and heterogeneous catalysis applications. The computational frameworks he has developed enable more efficient modeling of catalytic processes, providing critical insights for sustainable energy applications and materials design across academia and industry. His contributions have established new methodologies that are now widely adopted in both physics and chemistry research communities, demonstrating exceptional cross-disciplinary impact through rigorous computational approaches to surface phenomena.
As an educator, Professor Hammer has received the Pedagogical Prize at Aarhus University for his excellence in teaching the Computational Physics course at the post-graduate level, where he introduces students to advanced simulation techniques and machine learning applications for molecular and solid-state systems. He continues to shape the next generation of computational scientists through his mentorship and innovative curriculum development that bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries between physics and chemistry. His current research focuses on further integrating artificial intelligence with quantum mechanical calculations to unlock new possibilities in materials discovery and catalytic process optimization. Professor Hammer remains at the cutting edge of computational materials science, driving forward research that promises to address fundamental challenges in sustainable energy and advanced materials development through continued methodological innovation.
