Gerhard Henning Olsen
+4773551192
+4791626670
213 Kjemiblokk 1 Gløshaugen, Trondheim
About
I work as an Associate Professor (Norwegian: Førstelektor) in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (IMA) where I mainly teach introductory courses in chemistry and materials science. I also serve as academic programme director for the bachelor's programme in Chemistry and Materials Engineering (BIKOM) as well as for the international master's programme in Materials Science and Chemical Engineering (MSMATCH).
Background
- 2019–now: Associate Professor, Materials Science, NTNU
- 2017–2019: Postdoc, Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University
- 2012–2016: PhD, Materials Science, NTNU (advisor: Tor Grande)
- 2007–2012: MSc, Materials Chemistry, NTNU
Teaching
Courses I have taught recently include:
- IMAK1001 General Chemistry for Engineers
- IMAK1004 Chemical Thermodynamics for Engineers
- IMAK1006 Phase Transformations and Functional Properties
- IMAK2010 Material Properties and Use
- TMT4171 Introduction to Materials Science
Supervision
I supervise student projects on the BSc and MSc level in chemistry and materials science. As of spring 2026 I have supervised three MSc projects and 14 BSc projects (34 students) in collaboration with various external partners.
Research interests
Education research: Exams and assessment, digital exams, student-active learning and assessment methods, laboratory teaching, use of digital aids in teaching.
Materials science research: Coupling between structure and functional properties of materials, phase transitions, point defects, epitaxial strain in thin films, simulation of material properties with first-principles calculations.
--
Science isn't about why, it's about why not! – Cave Johnson
Publications
See complete list of publications on Google Scholar.
2026
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Florian, Bergmann,;
R., Barone, Matthew;
Zishen, Tian,;
Aiden, Ross,;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
C., Papac, Meagan;
Samuel, Freed,;
T., Bosworth, Bryan;
R., Jungwirth, Nicholas;
J., Marksz, Eric.
(2026)
Breaking symmetry yields a low-loss out-of-plane tunable microwave dielectric | Nature Electronics.
Nature Electronics
Academic article
2019
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Dawley, Natalie M.;
Marksz, Eric J.;
Hagerstrom, Aaron M.;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Holtz, Megan E.;
Goian, Veronica;
Kadlec, Christelle;
Zhang, Jingshu;
Lu, Xifeng;
Drisko, Jasper A..
(2019)
Targeted chemical pressure yields tuneable millimetre-wave dielectric.
Nature Materials
Academic article
2017
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Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Sørby, Magnus Helgerud;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2017)
Role of Lone Pair Cations in Ferroelectric Tungsten Bronzes.
Chemistry of Materials
Academic article
2016
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Grande, Tor;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Koch, Henrik.
(2016)
Ferroelectric Tungsten Bronzes.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral thesis
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Skjærvø, Sandra Helen;
Wefring, Espen Tjønneland;
Nesdal, Silje K.;
Gaukås, Nikolai Helth;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Glaum, Julia;
Tybell, Per Thomas Martin;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus.
(2016)
Interstitial oxygen as a source of p-type conductivity in hexagonal manganites.
Nature Communications
Academic article
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Aschauer, Ulrich;
Spaldin, Nicola A.;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2016)
Origin of ferroelectric polarization in tetragonal tungsten-bronze-type oxides.
Physical Review B. Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Academic article
2015
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Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2015)
On the energetics of cation ordering in tungsten-bronze-type oxides.
Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics - PCCP
Academic article
2014
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Olsen, Gerhard H.;
Sørby, Magnus Helgerud;
Hauback, Bjørn;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2014)
Revisiting the crystal structure of rhombohedral lead metaniobate.
Inorganic Chemistry
Academic article
-
Haugen, Astri Bjørnetun;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Madaro, Francesco;
Morozov, Maxim;
Tutuncu, Goknur;
Jones, Jacob L.;
Grande, Tor;
Einarsrud, Mari-Ann.
(2014)
Piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Ceramics Textured Using Needlelike K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Templates.
Journal of The American Ceramic Society
Academic article
2012
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Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Einarsrud, Mari-Ann.
(2012)
Texturing of lead free piezoelectric ceramics.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Master thesis
Journal publications
-
Florian, Bergmann,;
R., Barone, Matthew;
Zishen, Tian,;
Aiden, Ross,;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
C., Papac, Meagan;
Samuel, Freed,;
T., Bosworth, Bryan;
R., Jungwirth, Nicholas;
J., Marksz, Eric.
(2026)
Breaking symmetry yields a low-loss out-of-plane tunable microwave dielectric | Nature Electronics.
Nature Electronics
Academic article
-
Dawley, Natalie M.;
Marksz, Eric J.;
Hagerstrom, Aaron M.;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Holtz, Megan E.;
Goian, Veronica;
Kadlec, Christelle;
Zhang, Jingshu;
Lu, Xifeng;
Drisko, Jasper A..
(2019)
Targeted chemical pressure yields tuneable millimetre-wave dielectric.
Nature Materials
Academic article
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Sørby, Magnus Helgerud;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2017)
Role of Lone Pair Cations in Ferroelectric Tungsten Bronzes.
Chemistry of Materials
Academic article
-
Olsen, Gerhard H.;
Sørby, Magnus Helgerud;
Hauback, Bjørn;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2014)
Revisiting the crystal structure of rhombohedral lead metaniobate.
Inorganic Chemistry
Academic article
-
Skjærvø, Sandra Helen;
Wefring, Espen Tjønneland;
Nesdal, Silje K.;
Gaukås, Nikolai Helth;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Glaum, Julia;
Tybell, Per Thomas Martin;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus.
(2016)
Interstitial oxygen as a source of p-type conductivity in hexagonal manganites.
Nature Communications
Academic article
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2015)
On the energetics of cation ordering in tungsten-bronze-type oxides.
Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics - PCCP
Academic article
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Aschauer, Ulrich;
Spaldin, Nicola A.;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Grande, Tor.
(2016)
Origin of ferroelectric polarization in tetragonal tungsten-bronze-type oxides.
Physical Review B. Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Academic article
-
Haugen, Astri Bjørnetun;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Madaro, Francesco;
Morozov, Maxim;
Tutuncu, Goknur;
Jones, Jacob L.;
Grande, Tor;
Einarsrud, Mari-Ann.
(2014)
Piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Ceramics Textured Using Needlelike K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Templates.
Journal of The American Ceramic Society
Academic article
Student thesis or dissertation
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Grande, Tor;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Koch, Henrik.
(2016)
Ferroelectric Tungsten Bronzes.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral thesis
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Einarsrud, Mari-Ann.
(2012)
Texturing of lead free piezoelectric ceramics.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Master thesis
Teaching
Courses
Outreach
2025
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Other presentationWalker, Julian Bradley; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Ellingsen, Ingeborg Sellæg; Malmer, Mika Serna; Langli, Helene Lillevestre. (2025) NTNU Researcher Night 2025: Supermaterialer for en bærekraftig framtid. NTNU Researchers' night 2025
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Other presentationMeling, Mathilde; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2025) Supermaterialer for en bærekraftig fremtid. Jenter og teknologi - inspirasjonsdag
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Conference lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning. (2025) Bridging Disciplines: Developing a New Study Programme in Chemistry and Materials Engineering. 14th International Materials Education Symposium
2024
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Conference lectureLilletvedt, Roald; Kleveland, Kjersti; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2024) Wiser after failure analysis. 13th International Materials Education Symposium
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LectureEllingsen, Ingeborg Sellæg; Malmer, Mika Serna; Meling, Mathilde; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Walker, Julian Bradley. (2024) Supermaterialer for en bærekraftig framtid. Researchers Night
2023
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LectureKelly, Michael Robert; Hårberg, Sofie Brandtzæg; Eggestad, Kristoffer; Finnseth, Øyvind; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Walker, Julian Bradley. (2023) Supermaterialer for en bærekraftig framtid. Researcher Night
2019
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InterviewHøiaas, Ida Marie; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2019) Denne mikroskopiske ringen gir svaret på et 50 år gammelt mysterium.
2017
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Conference lectureSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Nesdal, Silje Kathrine; Gaukås, Nikolai Helth; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Glaum, Julia; Tybell, Per Thomas Martin; Selbach, Sverre Magnus. (2017) Interstitial oxygen as a source of p-type conductivity in hexagonal manganite YMnO3. DPG Spring Meeting
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Conference lectureSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Nesdal, Silje Kathrine; Gaukås, Nikolai Helth; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Glaum, Julia; Tybell, Per Thomas Martin; Selbach, Sverre Magnus. (2017) Interstitial oxygen as a source of p-type conductivity in hexagonal manganites. KIFEE 9
2016
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Conference lectureSelbach, Sverre Magnus; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen; Småbråten, Didrik Rene; Reidulff, Mari; Nesdal, Silje Kathrine; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Tybell, Per Thomas Martin. (2016) Point defects and properties of multiferroic hexagonal manganites. EMN Meeting on Magnetic Materials
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Conference posterAamlid, Solveig Stubmo; Brandvik, Trond; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Grande, Tor. (2016) The effect of thermal history on cation ordering and the phase transition in SBN. Electroceramics XV
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Interview
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Conference lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning. (2016) Origin of ferroelectric polarization in tetragonal tungsten-bronze-type oxides. Friday lunch seminar
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Conference lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Aschauer, Ulrich; Spaldin, Nicola A.; Selbach, Sverre Magnus; Grande, Tor. (2016) Origin of ferroelectric polarization in tetragonal tungsten-bronze-type oxides. Electroceramics XV
2015
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Conference lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Aschauer, Ulrich; Spaldin, Nicola A.; Selbach, Sverre Magnus; Grande, Tor. (2015) Cation ordering in tungsten-bronze-type oxides from first principles – Energetics and influence on functional properties. 7th International Conference on Electroceramics
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LectureMarthinsen, Astrid; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen; Skjærvø, Susanne Linn; Småbråten, Didrik Rene; Wiik, Kjell. (2015) Svevetog og spektakulære materialer. Researchers' Night 2015
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Conference posterBrandvik, Trond; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Selbach, Sverre Magnus; Grande, Tor. (2015) Tailoring Dielectric Properties Through Thermal Treatment. 5th National meeting in Solid State Chemistry
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Conference lectureSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Nesdal, Silje Kathrine; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Tybell, Per Thomas Martin; Selbach, Sverre Magnus. (2015) Interstitial oxygen as a source of p-type conductivity in hexagonal manganites. 5th National meeting in Solid State Chemistry
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Contribution to radio or TV
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Conference lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Selbach, Sverre Magnus; Grande, Tor. (2015) Energetics of cation ordering in tungsten-bronze-type oxides. 5th National Meeting on Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
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LectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2015) Motivasjonsforedrag for ENT3R Trondheim. Elevkveld for ENT3R Trondheim
2014
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InterviewSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Chemikere i Rampelyset. Tett på Sandra og Gerhard.
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LectureSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Motivasjonsforedrag med doktorgradsstipendiatene. Motivasjonsforedrag for kjemistudenter
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Contribution to radio or TV
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Contribution to radio or TV
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Contribution to radio or TV
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LectureChristensen, Mads J.; Marthinsen, Astrid; Olsen, Gerhard H.; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen; Skjærvø, Susanne Linn; Småbråten, Didrik Rene; Wiik, Kjell. (2014) Superledere og svevetog. Researchers' Night 2014
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LectureYstenes, Martin; Larsen, Eli-Beate; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Knallforelesning i kjemi. Researchers Night
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Conference lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Density Functional Theory for Dense, Functional Ceramics – DFT as a practical tool in materials chemistry. Friday lunch lecture
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Conference lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Sørby, Magnus Helgerud; Hauback, Bjørn; Selbach, Sverre Magnus; Grande, Tor. (2014) Revisiting rhombohedral lead metaniobate – Crystal structure and functional properties. 4th National Meeting on Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
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Contribution to radio or TV
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LectureOlsen, Gerhard H.; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2014) Avanserte materialer – fra kjemi til svevetog. Campusbesøk, Berg VGS
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Contribution to radio or TV
2013
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LectureWiik, Kjell; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Reksten, Anita; Olsen, Gerhard. (2013) Superledere og svevetog. En stand der materialteknologi og uorganisk kjemi beskrives og demonstreres med utgangspunkt i en svevende superleder på Researchers Night i Realfagbygget ved NTNU. Researchers Night
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LectureWiik, Kjell; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Olsen, Gerhard; Reksten, Anita. (2013) En stand der materialteknologi og uorganisk kjemi beskrives og demonstreres med utgangspunkt i en svevende superleder på et seminar ved NTNU for unge ledere. Kronprins Håkon vil også være til stede. Sikt 2013
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Conference lectureHaugen, Astri Bjørnetun; Olsen, Gerhard; Madaro, Francesco; Morozov, Maxim; Tutuncu, Goknur; Jones, Jacob L.; Grande, Tor; Einarsrud, Mari-Ann. (2013) Anisotropy of piezo- and ferroelectricity in textured K0.5Na0.5NbO3-based materials from novel texturing method. Joint IEEE-International Symposium on the Applications of Ferroelectrics (ISAF) and Piezoresponce Force Microscopy and Nanoscale Phenomena in Polar Materials (PFM)
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LectureOlsen, Gerhard H.; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2013) Avanserte materialer – fra kjemi til svevetog. Campusbesøk, Mosjøen VGS
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Conference posterOlsen, Gerhard H.; Selbach, Sverre Magnus; Grande, Tor. (2013) Rhombohedral lead metaniobate - a new high-T piezoelectric?. 3rd national meeting on inorganic and materials chemistry
2012
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LectureHaugen, Astri Bjørnetun; Lohne, Ørjan Fossmark; Olsen, Gerhard; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Foss, Carl Erik Lie. (2012) Supermaterialer og svevetog. Researchers' Night
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Conference posterOlsen, Gerhard; Haugen, Astri Bjørnetun; Morozov, Maxim; Grande, Tor; Einarsrud, Mari-Ann. (2012) Texturing of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. 2nd National Meeting on Inorganic and Materials Chemistry