Research focus

Michael Lund Nielsen’s research focuses on protein composition and regulation, with particular emphasis on protein modifications and their functional significance. In this context, he will make use of MBG’s mass spectrometry research infrastructure.

A key conceptual contribution from Michael Lund Nielsen’s research group has been to demonstrate that protein modifications do not merely function as static recruitment signals, but can also encode dynamic regulatory information - including timing, spatial organisation, and the order of biological processes.

His research has led to methodological and biological breakthroughs in mass spectrometry-based proteomics and protein modifications and has helped define international standards for mapping post-translational modifications.

“More broadly, my research aims to establish mass spectrometry-based proteomics as a mechanistic biological discipline - moving beyond simply cataloguing proteins and modifications and instead defining regulatory principles that explain how protein networks function in space and time in both health and disease,” explains Michael Lund Nielsen.

With his background in both academic research and technological development, he has extensive experience in building and leading large proteomics infrastructures as well as international research consortia.

As part of his appointment, Michael Lund Nielsen will serve as the scientific director of MBG’s mass spectrometry core facility. The day-to-day operations will be managed by a dedicated facility manager, while his expertise in method development and advanced biological applications will enable a significant expansion of the facility for the benefit of researchers at MBG and across Aarhus University.

Michael Lund Nielsen sees this combination of research and infrastructure as particularly relevant for MBG, where proteomics can function as a shared enabling technology across research areas.

“Alongside building my own research programme, I see proteomics as a central enabling technology for the department. A key focus at MBG will therefore be to anchor advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics as a shared platform that supports and accelerates research across MBG - including disease-relevant and translational systems.”

Academic background

Michael Lund Nielsen obtained his PhD in ion physics from Uppsala University. He subsequently continued as a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Martinsried, near Munich. In 2009, he took up a position as Associate Professor at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research in Copenhagen and was appointed Professor there in 2014.

His work is widely cited and has had significant impact on both basic research and applied proteomics internationally.

Outside the laboratory, Michael enjoys spending time with his family and being in nature. He also has a long-standing interest in coffee and particularly enjoys brewing good espresso at home - a daily ritual that brings calm and a focus on quality and detail.