Thulstrup Erik Waaben

Professor Thulstrup was a distinguished scientist, educator, and science policy expert whose career spanned academia, international development, and scientific leadership.

He obtained his Master of Science degree in 1967 and his PhD in 1970 from Aarhus University, where he later earned the Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his scholarly achievements. He served as Associate Professor at Aarhus University from 1972 to 1981 and chaired the Department of Chemistry during his tenure. He subsequently held professorships at the Danish Pedagogical University from 1981 to 1989 and at Roskilde University from 1993 onward.

Between 1989 and 1993, Professor Thulstrup served as Senior Science and Technology Specialist at the World Bank, where he led the institution’s Science and Technology Workgroup. His work contributed significantly to the integration of science, technology, and innovation into development strategies and policies.

His research interests encompassed polarization spectroscopy of ordered samples, science policy, and economic development. He developed innovative methods for aligning molecular samples and conducting optical spectroscopy using polarized light, advancing scientific understanding in the field of molecular spectroscopy. His contributions earned him international recognition, and he served as a Visiting Professor at numerous universities across Europe and the United States.

Professor Thulstrup also played an important role in research evaluation and capacity building. He served as a member of the European Union Task Force on Research Evaluation and led numerous assessments of research capacity-building initiatives, particularly in developing countries. His expertise was widely sought, and he provided science policy advice to several developing nations, contributing to the strengthening of scientific institutions and research systems around the world.

During the 1990s, he served as President of the Danish National Commission for UNESCO, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing science, education, and international cooperation.

His scholarly achievements were recognized through membership in several prestigious academies, including The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and The African Academy of Sciences.

A prolific researcher and author, Professor Thulstrup produced approximately 250 scientific publications, including influential monographs on spectroscopy that became widely used references in the field. Through his research, leadership, and dedication to scientific development, he left a lasting legacy in spectroscopy, science policy, and international capacity building.