Meet Johan Clausen, new assistant professor at the department

Why did you choose to work at BTECH?
As a researcher who really enjoys my research on analytics on production data, digital transformation, and topics that can be broadly grouped under the AI umbrella, I knew I wanted to find a good place to continue my academic work within this rapidly advancing field. When I initially learned more about BTECH, I was immediately interested in the department's tradition of working with industry on production-related topics. Moreover, during my postdoc at AAU, I worked in a very interdisciplinary fashion, and the strategy for this at BTECH, both in research and teaching, was also intriguing. During the interview process, I was also impressed by the welcoming atmosphere at the department, so when I got the job offer, I was very happy to accept it.    

What is your area of work?
My research builds on two interconnected pillars; one more theoretical and the other more practical. The more theoretical pillar is within algorithms and estimators used in data-driven predictive and prescriptive analytics. In particular, I am researching when and how to integrate estimators directly into the solution of operations and production problems. The other more practical pillar is my research into how data and machine learning can be used to improve decision-making about the use of real production machines and empower the people who operate them. This necessarily requires understanding and working with the organisational context of the company.

What is your background?
I have an MSc in Business Economics from Aarhus University, and my PhD in Economics is also from Aarhus University. My PhD was theoretical research on data-driven predictive and prescriptive analytics in an operational context, with one paper made in collaboration with Vestas on a more practical problem. I then had a 2-year postdoc position at AAU, funded by AAU and ARLA through the organisation Manufacturing Academy of Denmark. The postdoc really activated my interdisciplinary interest, since I had to both develop algorithms to optimise ARLA's machines and work in the organisation to get the algorithms tested and applied.  

Would you like to tell a bit about yourself, your family and your hobbies?
I currently live in Aarhus with my partner, who works in the youth sector in Aarhus. This means that when I come home from work, she and I often have refreshingly different experiences to talk and laugh about. In my free time and on holiday, I enjoy hiking and experiencing different types of nature. My family has strong ties to Thyholm, and I particularly enjoy the nature in this part of Denmark. Otherwise, I enjoy reading about and listening to history and other classical subjects. To just kick back and relax, some PlayStation gaming is often my first choice.

I am looking forward to meeting you all!