Gerhard H. Olsen
+4773551192
+4791626670
T03.409 Akrinn Kalvskinnet, Trondheim
About
Science isn't about why, it's about why not! – Cave Johnson
I work as an Associate Teaching 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 DFT calculations.
Publications
See complete list of publications on Google Scholar.
2019
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Dawley, Natalie M.;
Marksz, Eric J.;
Hagerstrom, Aaron M.;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Holtz, Megan E.;
Goian, Veronica.
(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
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Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Grande, Tor;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Koch, Henrik.
(2016)
Ferroelectric Tungsten Bronzes.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral dissertation
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Skjærvø, Sandra Helen;
Wefring, Espen Tjønneland;
Nesdal, Silje K.;
Gaukås, Nikolai Helth;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Glaum, Julia.
(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
-
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
-
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..
(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
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Masters thesis
Journal publications
-
Dawley, Natalie M.;
Marksz, Eric J.;
Hagerstrom, Aaron M.;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Holtz, Megan E.;
Goian, Veronica.
(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
-
Skjærvø, Sandra Helen;
Wefring, Espen Tjønneland;
Nesdal, Silje K.;
Gaukås, Nikolai Helth;
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Glaum, Julia.
(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
-
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 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..
(2014)
Piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Ceramics Textured Using Needlelike K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Templates.
Journal of The American Ceramic Society
Academic article
Report
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Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Grande, Tor;
Selbach, Sverre Magnus;
Koch, Henrik.
(2016)
Ferroelectric Tungsten Bronzes.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Doctoral dissertation
-
Olsen, Gerhard Henning;
Einarsrud, Mari-Ann.
(2012)
Texturing of lead free piezoelectric ceramics.
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet
Masters thesis
Teaching
Courses
- IMAK3001 - Bachelor Thesis Materials Technology
- IMAK1012 - Materials and Chemistry 2
- IMAK1001 - General Chemistry for Engineers
- IMAK2002 - Inorganic Chemistry
- TMAK3001 - Bachelor Thesis Materials Technology
- MT8218 - Advanced Materials Science
- IMAK1004 - Chemical Thermodynamics for Engineers
- TMT4171 - Introduction to Materials Science
- IMAK1006 - Phase transformations and functional material properties
Outreach
2025
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Academic lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning. (2025) Bridging Disciplines: Developing a New Study Programme in Chemistry and Materials Engineering. 14th International Materials Education Symposium , Cambridge, UK 10.04.2025 - 11.04.2025
2024
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Academic lectureLilletvedt, Roald; Kleveland, Kjersti; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2024) Wiser after failure analysis. 13th International Materials Education Symposium , Cambridge 04.04.2024 - 05.04.2024
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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 , Realfagbygget, Gløshaugen, NTNU 27.09.2024 - 27.09.2024
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 , Realfagbygget, Gløshaugen, NTNU 28.09.2023 - 28.09.2023
2019
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InterviewHøiaas, Ida Marie; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2019) Denne mikroskopiske ringen gir svaret på et 50 år gammelt mysterium. forskning.no forskning.no [Internet] 26.08.2019
2017
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Academic lectureSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Nesdal, Silje Kathrine; Gaukås, Nikolai Helth; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Glaum, Julia. (2017) Interstitial oxygen as a source of p-type conductivity in hexagonal manganite YMnO3. DPG Spring Meeting , Dresden 19.03.2017 - 24.03.2017
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Academic lectureSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Wefring, Espen Tjønneland; Nesdal, Silje Kathrine; Gaukås, Nikolai Helth; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Glaum, Julia. (2017) Interstitial oxygen as a source of p-type conductivity in hexagonal manganites. KIFEE 9 , Kyoto 07.03.2017 - 10.03.2017
2016
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Academic lectureSelbach, Sverre Magnus; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen; Småbråten, Didrik Rene; Reidulff, Mari; Nesdal, Silje Kathrine; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2016) Point defects and properties of multiferroic hexagonal manganites. EMN Meeting on Magnetic Materials , Hawaii 21.03.2016 - 24.03.2016
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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 , Limoges 27.06.2016 - 29.06.2016
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InterviewOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Tofte, Solveig. (2016) Drømte om å bli forsker allerede som liten. Trønderbladet Trønderbladet [Journal] 08.10.2016
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Academic lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning. (2016) Origin of ferroelectric polarization in tetragonal tungsten-bronze-type oxides. Friday lunch seminar , Trondheim 22.04.2016 -
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Academic 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 , Limoges 27.06.2016 - 29.06.2016
2015
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Academic 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 , State College, Pennsylvania 13.05.2015 - 16.05.2015
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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 , Trondheim 25.09.2015 -
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PosterBrandvik, Trond; Olsen, Gerhard Henning; Selbach, Sverre Magnus; Grande, Tor. (2015) Tailoring Dielectric Properties Through Thermal Treatment. 5th National meeting in Solid State Chemistry , Hell 15.10.2015 - 16.10.2015
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Academic 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 , Scandic Hell, Sandfærhus 22, 7500 Stjørdal 15.10.2015 - 16.10.2015
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Programme participationOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2015) Øyeblikket – Tåkeboble. NRK TV – Schrödingers katt NRK TV – Schrödingers katt [TV] 08.01.2015
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Academic 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 , Hell 15.10.2015 - 16.10.2015
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LectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2015) Motivasjonsforedrag for ENT3R Trondheim. Elevkveld for ENT3R Trondheim , Trondheim 30.09.2015 -
2014
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InterviewSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Chemikere i Rampelyset. Tett på Sandra og Gerhard. [Journal] 30.10.2014
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LectureSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Motivasjonsforedrag med doktorgradsstipendiatene. Motivasjonsforedrag for kjemistudenter , Auditorium R7, Realfagsbygget, Høgskoleringen 5, 7034 Trond 07.11.2014 -
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Programme participationSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Olsen, Gerhard H.. (2014) Øyeblikket – Gullregn. NRK TV – Schrödingers katt NRK TV – Schrödingers katt [TV] 02.10.2014
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Programme participationOlsen, Gerhard H.; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2014) Øyeblikket – Kobberkrystall. NRK TV – Schrödingers katt NRK TV – Schrödingers katt [TV] 25.09.2014
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Programme participationSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Olsen, Gerhard H.. (2014) Øyeblikket – Saltkrystaller. NRK TV – Schrödingers katt NRK TV – Schrödingers katt [TV] 18.09.2014
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LectureChristensen, Mads J.; Marthinsen, Astrid; Olsen, Gerhard H.; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen; Skjærvø, Susanne Linn; Småbråten, Didrik Rene. (2014) Superledere og svevetog. Researchers' Night 2014 , Trondheim 26.09.2014 -
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LectureYstenes, Martin; Larsen, Eli-Beate; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Knallforelesning i kjemi. Researchers Night , Trondheim 26.09.2014 -
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Academic lectureOlsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Density Functional Theory for Dense, Functional Ceramics – DFT as a practical tool in materials chemistry. Friday lunch lecture , Trondheim 14.11.2014 -
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Academic 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 , Lillestrøm 29.10.2014 - 30.10.2014
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Programme participationSkjærvø, Sandra Helen; Olsen, Gerhard Henning. (2014) Øyeblikket – Ustabil forbindelse. NRK TV – Schrödingers katt NRK TV – Schrödingers katt [TV] 23.10.2014
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LectureOlsen, Gerhard H.; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2014) Avanserte materialer – fra kjemi til svevetog. Campusbesøk, Berg VGS , Trondheim 06.03.2014 -
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Programme participationOlsen, Gerhard Henning; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2014) Øyeblikket – Elefanttannpasta. NRK TV – Schrödingers katt NRK TV – Schrödingers katt [TV] 16.10.2014
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 27.09.2013 - 27.09.2013
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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 , NTNU Gløshaugen 26.09.2013 - 26.09.2013
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Academic lectureHaugen, Astri Bjørnetun; Olsen, Gerhard; Madaro, Francesco; Morozov, Maxim; Tutuncu, Goknur; Jones, Jacob L.. (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) 22.07.2013 - 25.07.2013
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LectureOlsen, Gerhard H.; Skjærvø, Sandra Helen. (2013) Avanserte materialer – fra kjemi til svevetog. Campusbesøk, Mosjøen VGS , Trondheim 05.12.2013 -
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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 , Hell 10.10.2013 - 11.10.2013
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 28.09.2012 - 28.09.2012
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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 , Sundvolden 11.10.2012 - 12.10.2012