Ralf Hemmingsen

MD, DMSc.
Professor and Rector (Vice-Chancellor/President) at the University of Copenhagen

Ralf Hemmingsen is Rector at the University of Copenhagen. Prior to his position as Rector, he was Dean at the Faculty of Health Sciences, following a job as Medical Director of the Psychiatric Department, Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen. Dr. Hemmingsen graduated from the Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Copenhagen in 1975. The following year, he was awarded the University of Copenhagen Gold Medal. He earned his Doctorate in Medicine in 1981 and became a consultant psychiatrist in 1983. In 1995, he was appointed Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Copenhagen. In the period 1975-2006, Dr. Hemmingsen published 161 papers in scientific journals, of which 139 are indexed in Medline. His field of research is neurobiology and psychiatry, with special reference to schizophrenia and psychiatric law. His research includes clinical work with patients and experimental studies using animal modeling. He has extensive experience in undergraduate teaching from his time as a clinical lecturer in psychiatry between 1978-80 and 1984-95, and since 1995 as a professor. Since 1984 he has been involved as teacher and course director in biological psychiatry, acute psychiatry and psychiatric law courses. Dr. Hemmingsen has served as member and chair in several national and international scientific bodies.