Meet your colleague: Simon Kjær Hermansen

Can you explain what your work involves?

On a daily basis, I serve as acting head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at the University of Southern Denmark.

The department’s core task is to carry out commissioned work for the authorities – primarily the police.

A common misconception is that we exclusively deal with autopsies of the deceased, but in fact, we handle far more cases involving living individuals. This includes examinations related to assault, sexual abuse, suspected child abuse, and forensic examinations of suspects.

The department also works on traffic-related cases, determining the concentration of traffic-impairing substances in blood samples (so-called threshold limit cases), as well as conducting drug influence assessments. It’s an exciting and dynamic field involving many professional disciplines and constant development.

How long have you been employed at SDU? Have you, by any chance, been here more than once?

I started at SDU in 2002 when I began my master’s degree in biomedicine. My strong interest in human pathology led me to the clinic, where I wrote my thesis and later completed a PhD on glioblastomas (a type of brain cancer) at the Department of Clinical Pathology at Odense University Hospital. I then worked for nearly four years at Novo Nordisk as an analytical chemist in a QC laboratory.

In 2018, I applied for – and got – a position as a forensic chemist at SDU, and that became my entry point into forensic medicine.

What’s the very best thing about your job?

I’m motivated by leading and further developing the independent investigations and analyses we carry out for the police.

Legislation and societal trends are constantly changing, requiring us to continually adapt. Making that work in practice is an exciting leadership challenge. At the same time, technological developments continue to open up new possibilities and perspectives for our work.

Moreover, the department is full of incredibly skilled and lovely people – dedicated individuals with professional pride and expertise, which I find very inspiring.

Tell us about a task you’ve completed that you’re particularly proud of.

I’m especially proud to have gained the trust needed within the organisation to take on the leadership task that the Department of Forensic Medicine is currently facing. Traditionally, the medical area has held the leadership role, but now the forensic chemistry field has taken the baton – and I’m very proud to represent that.

What is your educational background – how did you end up in this job?

My route into forensic chemistry might be a bit unconventional.

I have a Master of Science in Biomedicine and a PhD in clinical pathology. After four years working in analytical chemistry in a GMP environment, I gained the experience needed to apply for the forensic chemist position.

There isn’t a specific degree in forensic chemistry, and I believe that many science-based degree programmes can provide access to the field.

My leadership skills, apart from experience with project management, have mainly been developed through independent professional growth and practice. It’s an area I continue to work on strengthening.

Have you ever considered other career paths?

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist – my fascination with the sea has stayed with me ever since.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy running, bouldering, and spending time in and on the water – and I’ve recently developed a strong interest in traditional Greenlandic kayaking.

Have you watched, read or listened to anything good recently that you’d recommend?

Watched: Arcane

Read: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Listened to: Ubegribeligt (podcast) and Stegelcast

Played: Last of Us Part II Remastered

What’s your favourite getaway destination?

I love the peace and quiet at our summer house at Fyns Hoved.

Do you have a special talent that others might not know about?

I can still do a heelflip on a skateboard – it’s muscle memory at this point.

Do you have an interesting or unusual hobby we should hear about?

My newest passion is Greenlandic kayaking, and I’m currently learning how to roll in the traditional Greenlandic style. My interest in kayaking grew naturally out of my love for being on the water – a hobby that combines physical activity with calm and presence. For me, it’s also about always learning something new – and perfecting it down to the smallest detail.