During her research year at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Signe Klitgaard Bitsch has worked with bite mark analysis and explored the challenges that arise when applying odontological knowledge to forensic investigations.

There is currently no gold standard for bite mark analysis, and Signe Klitgaard Bitsch has identified a gap in the market for a potential product that could improve the precision of bite mark analysis by connecting the results of 3D scans more effectively. She is currently in the process of applying for a patent for the product.

With the support of HM Queen Margrethe IIs travel grant, Signe Klitgaard Bitsch will have the opportunity to strengthen the projects international perspective and further develop her academic interests through a study period abroad.

The travel grant is one of five awarded each year across Aarhus Universitys faculties. The grant is worth DKK 25,000 and is intended to give talented students the opportunity to study abroad as part of their degree programme.

Contact

Masters student and research year student Signe Klitgaard Bitsch
Aarhus University, Department of Forensic Medicine Forensic Pathology 
Email: sibi@forens.au.dk

Morten Storm Overgaard investigates this, among other things, in people who experience recovery after a brain injury. He examines whether a regained function is the result of a new solution being created to replace a lost function, or whether the same function can be achieved in a brain that now works differently.

If we only measure whether a patient gets better or worse at answering simple questions, we risk overlooking genuine improvement. Both treatment and the way we measure the effects of rehabilitation therefore need to take account of alternative strategies for performing tasks. We also need to consider whether the same function can be achieved in a brain that works differently. If that is the case, it has major implications for how we understand the brain as a whole, says Morten Storm Overgaard.

The professor also researches consciousness and how peoples subjective experiences can be studied scientifically. Morten Storm Overgaard has developed some of the most widely used methods for studying consciousness today, while also investigating whether researchers methods influence the results and, consequently, their conclusions about consciousness.

Both areas of his research have implications for our fundamental understanding of what the brain is and how we should understand the relationship between its structure and function.

Morten Storm Overgaard hopes that the professorship will strengthen Aarhus Universitys international position in consciousness research and advance research into neurorehabilitation.

Contact

Professor Morten Storm Overgaard
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience (CFIN)
Telephone: +45 20 78 31 54
Email: morten.storm.overgaard@cfin.au.dk

My aim is to enable more patients to receive effective treatment with fewer long-term side effects. The professorship gives me a strong platform for developing clinical research, strengthening the link between research and clinical practice, and translating new knowledge into better treatment for patients, says Camilla Kronborg.

The new professors research focuses particularly on proton therapy, in which the radiation can be targeted so that healthy tissue surrounding a tumour is exposed to less radiation than with conventional radiotherapy.

It is important to select patients carefully so that those who stand to benefit the most are offered the treatment. We are currently investigating this for rectal cancer, anal cancer and cervical cancer, among others, says Camilla Kronborg.

Professor Kronborg leads the national ReRad II and ReRad III studies, which are investigating re-irradiation with proton therapy for recurrent rectal and anal cancer. She is also involved in projects on the long-term effects of radiotherapy, including how treatment affects sexual health, as well as the bones and bowel.

Contact

Clinical Professor and Consultant Camilla Kronborg
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, and
Aarhus University Hospital, Danish Centre for Particle Therapy
Telephone: +45 26 71 67 76
Email: camkro@clin.au.dk