Brian Klitgaard Hansen
Papers
2
Total Citations
84
H-Index
2
About
Brian Klitgaard Hansen is a pioneering environmental molecular ecologist whose work sits at the intersection of marine biology, robotics, and conservation. His research focuses on advancing the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for real-time, autonomous monitoring of aquatic ecosystems—particularly for commercially and ecologically critical species. Hansen’s most influential contribution is the development and field-testing of a second-generation Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), a robotic sampler capable of remote, autonomous eDNA collection and analysis. This breakthrough, detailed in his highly cited 2020 paper (67 citations), overcomes the traditional bottlenecks of offshore sampling and laboratory time lags, enabling near-instantaneous detection of commercial fish species. He has further applied this technology to a pressing aquaculture challenge: the detection and quantification of sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) around fish farms. His 2022 work (17 citations) provides farmers with a molecular tool to monitor parasite pressure in real-time, directly improving biosecurity and reducing the impact on wild salmonids. By merging cutting-edge robotics with molecular ecology, Hansen is transforming how we monitor and manage marine environments, offering scalable solutions for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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