Sindra Petersson Årsköld

With an MSc in Physics and a PhD in chemistry I consider myself a scientific omnivore. After finishing my PhD at Lund University, Sweden, I went on a postdoctoral fellowship to the Australian National University, where I spent two years at the Research School of Chemistry. Upon my return, I established a research group at Lund University. After eight years, I took on a position at ESS as Advisor to the Science Director. Ten years on I am still here, enjoying exposure to the enormous breadth of neutron science topics.

My research effort was in the biophysics domain, using a range of spectroscopic and magnetic methods to study Photosystem II, the protein which splits water and oxygenates the atmosphere, and also the viral membrane protein, Influenza A M2, a pH-activated proton channel and promising anti-viral drug target. I’ve co-founded two companies: one in the lab tech business and one in the dance and retro culture business.

In my role at ESS, I work with science in a different way: supporting management in leading this huge project towards completion, giving talks, maintaining relationships with universities and other entities.

In BrightnESS², I am involved with Work Package 2, working together with LENS and ENSA to develop a landscape analysis and vision for the future of neutron science in Europe.