New Honorary Doctor at LIFE - 21.11.2008

Vice Chancellor and President of The University of South Australia, Peter Høj is appointed Honorary Doctor at Faculty of Life Sciences (LIFE), University of Copenhagen.

Professor Peter Bordier Høj returns to the roots of his scientific career when he receives the degree Doctor honoris causae at a ceremony at University of Copenhagen today. Peter Bordier Høj earned his M.Sc. in biochemistry/chemistry in 1983 and his PhD in plant biochemistry/chemistry in 1987 from Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

 

From the very start of his career, Peter Bordier Høj has published papers in top ranking journals, and he is highly recognized in the international science community.

 

Peter Bordier Høj has made significant contributions to our understanding of plant biochemistry within four different fields of science; photosynthesis, cell wall biochemistry, natural products and molecular chaperones. His research accomplishments demonstrate a very broad knowledge and exceptional overview. In addition, Peter Bordier Høj has shown a remarkable ability to bridge the gap between basic research and industry demands. He has thus contributed significantly to the success of the Australian wine industry.

 

Since he left Denmark, he has kept contact with University of Copenhagen by promoting the exchange of BSc, MSc and PhD students and post docs between his university and University of Copenhagen, which have resulted in several joint publications e.g. in Science.

 

In recent years, Bordier Høj has paid annual visits to the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, at the Faculty of Life Sciences, where he has been a popular guest lecturer. This has further strengthened collaboration with universities in Australia. Joint research interests include photosynthesis, cell wall polymers and bioactive natural products in plants.

 

For more information about Peter Høj, please contact Anna Haldrup, Head of Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, at tel.: + 45 35 33 33 68 or by mail: