Overview
Jon Samseth is a Norwegian engineer and professor of physics, born on July 23, 1954, in Trondheim, Norway. His academic background and research focus have spanned across various institutions, including the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), the École Nationale Supérieure du Pétrole et des Moteurs (ENSPM) in France, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As a professor of energy physics at the Oslo Metropolitan University, Samseth has made significant contributions to the field of soft matter and has been actively involved in the public debate on energy issues.
Education and Career
Samseth earned an engineering degree in physics from the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH) in 1981. He later obtained a Diplôme d'ingénieur degree in Petroleum economics from the École Nationale Supérieure du Pétrole et des Moteurs (ENSPM) in France in 1983. In 1988, he received his PhD in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Samseth has held various academic and advisory positions throughout his career. He has been a professor of energy physics at the Oslo Metropolitan University and a scientific advisor to SINTEF industry. Additionally, he served as an adjunct professor (professor II) in the Department of Chemical engineering at NTNU from 2007 to 2015.
Research Focus
Samseth's research has focused on the field of soft matter, specifically using neutron scattering to study various surfactant-containing systems, including micelles and microemulsions, aerogels, and block-copolymers. Since 2004, he has been engaged in the study of nanostructured polymer-membranes applied to gas separation.
International Involvement
Samseth has been actively involved internationally through the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). He was a member of IUPAP's first energy working group, which assessed the viability of various energy sources. In 2012, IUPAP commissioned him to chair and form a new working group devoted to energy topics at large.
Public Engagement and Media Presence
Samseth has been a frequent public speaker on energy issues, particularly those related to nuclear energy. He has raised ethical and environmental concerns connected to energy issues and advocates that nuclear energy is an integral part of a modern energy system. Due to his experience in energy topics, he has been featured in the media on numerous occasions, including during the Fukushima accident in Japan.
Awards and Recognition
In 2012, professor Samseth was elected a member of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA).
FAQ
What is Jon Samseth's academic background? Samseth holds an engineering degree in physics from the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), a Diplôme d'ingénieur degree in Petroleum economics from the École Nationale Supérieure du Pétrole et des Moteurs (ENSPM) in France, and a PhD in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
What is Jon Samseth's research focus? Samseth's research has focused on the field of soft matter, specifically using neutron scattering to study various surfactant-containing systems, including micelles and microemulsions, aerogels, and block-copolymers.
How has Jon Samseth been involved in the public debate on energy issues? Samseth has been a frequent public speaker on energy issues, particularly those related to nuclear energy. He has raised ethical and environmental concerns connected to energy issues and advocates that nuclear energy is an integral part of a modern energy system.
What is Jon Samseth's current position? Samseth is currently a professor of energy physics at the Oslo Metropolitan University.
What organizations has Jon Samseth been affiliated with? Samseth has been affiliated with the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP), the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA), and SINTEF industry.