Anders Sejr Hansen, Class of 1943 Career Development Professor in the Department of Biological Engineering, has been honored as the recipient of the 2024-25 Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award.
The annual accolade was created in the autumn of 1982 as a lasting homage to Institute Professor Emeritus Harold E. Edgerton for his substantial and continuous support for emerging faculty members throughout the years. The aim of the award is to acknowledge exceptional excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Hansen serves as the lead investigator of the Hansen Lab, which pioneers novel techniques to elucidate 3D genome structure at high spatiotemporal precision to comprehend how DNA looping and 3D folding influence gene expression in health and disease. His research domains encompass cancer biology, computational systems biology, instrumentation and measurement, and synthetic biology.
“My research delves into how the regulation of our genes occurs,” states Hansen. “All cells in our body possess the identical DNA and genes. Therefore, the software or applications utilized for each cell is consistent. What distinguishes a neuron from a blood cell is which genes they opt to express. My research aims to uncover how this regulation transpires.”
Those who put forth nominations for Anders emphasized his extraordinary output, citing his two “highly cited, paradigm-shifting research papers in Science and Nature Genetics,” as well as his research presentations at 50 invited engagements, which included two keynotes, at academic institutions and conferences globally. They also underscored his dedication to mentorship and professional development for the 20 current members of his lab.
“Anders is an exemplary role model and representative of biological engineering, merging a formidable research program with a supportive mentorship, and innovative undergraduate education,” remarks Christopher Voigt, the Daniel I.C. Wang Professor in Biological Engineering and head of the Department of Biological Engineering.
Laurie Boyer, a professor of biology and biological engineering, adds, “His research unveils new understandings of the dynamics of gene regulation that would otherwise be unattainable. The Hansen Lab’s work establishes a cohesive framework quickly embraced by the field to explore how conserved regulators exert precise spatial and temporal control of gene expression within the realm of 3D genome architecture.”
During the nomination phase, students commended Hansen’s enthusiasm for his work, alongside his capability to equip them to leverage their education beyond the classroom.
“He always makes an effort to steer each lab member toward both immediate scientific achievements and future career aspirations through frequent one-on-one discussions, fostering collaborations and access to scientific resources, and sharing his own experiences,” remarks Jin Yang, a graduate student in biological engineering and member of the Hansen Lab.
“Dr. Hansen’s contagious enthusiasm for the subject matter made attending class a pleasure and allowed us to envision potential applications of the fundamental topics he discussed,” shares another student. “Outstanding lecturer!”
Hansen earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemistry at Oxford University. He was awarded his PhD in chemistry and chemical biology from Harvard University, where he applied systems biology methodologies to decipher how cells can encode and transmit information concerning the dynamics of transcription factor activation. For his postdoctoral work at the University of California at Berkeley, Hansen devised new imaging strategies for analyzing the dynamics of architectural proteins with single-molecule resolution in live cells. Hansen joined MIT as an assistant professor of biological engineering in early 2020.
His accolades include an NIH K99 Pathway to Independence Award (2019), NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2020), a Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research Award (2021), an NSF CAREER Award (2024), and an NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award (2024).
Hansen has participated in several committees at MIT, notably the MIT Biological Engineering Graduate Program Admissions Committee, the MIT Computational and Systems Biology Graduate Admissions Committee, and the MIT Biological Engineering Graduate Recruiting Committee, of which he has been chair since 2023.
“I have been aware of the Edgerton Award since I commenced my journey at MIT, and I believe that the extensive focus on research, teaching, and service truly embodies what makes MIT such a distinctive and wonderful institution,” reflects Hansen. “Consequently, I was exceedingly elated to hear the news that I would receive the Edgerton Award this year, and I am immensely thankful to all the incredible colleagues here at MIT who have supported me throughout the years, as well as all the remarkable individuals in my lab whose contributions are being acknowledged.”