Otto Andersen has an unusuallybroad scientific background covering a wide spectra of science disciplines. He has applied bothnatural science and social science methods to address societal problems. Originally trained as a biochemist withpractical application of analytical biological separation in combination with immunological methods at the Norwegian National Institute of Public Health. Dr. Andersen obtained an understanding for cross-disciplinary problem-based science. The pharmaceutical R&D experience at 3M Company,as well as theregulator y and quality assurance work at Dyno Particles AS, gave himthrough insight into the importance of addressing environmentalchallenges for industrial companies, particularly those with transport services as key business activity.
Theresearch at Vestlandsforsking (Western Norway Research Institute) has spanned19 yearsof work with energy issues,with specialfocus on theenvironmental impacts.The doctoral work on the relation between transport and industrial ecology provided new insight into the environmental aspects of mobile energy, including renewable options. Recently, he is also engaged in stationary renewable energy production, including photovoltaic solar energy technologies, and the impact assessment of their manufacturing.