Overview

Gender

male

Hans Christian Ørsted was born in Rudkøbing, Denmark, in 1777. He studied pharmacology and graduated with top grades in 1797. In 1806, he became a professor of physics, primarily teaching experimental physics.

Hans Christian Ørsted sought to discover the fundamental laws of physics, and his countless experiments with the forces of nature led to the discovery of electromagnetism in 1820. From an international point of view, this discovery is his most famous achievement. It paved the way for a number of major technological advances, such as the generation of electricity.

Hans Christian Ørsted thirsted for knowledge. He realised how important the natural sciences are for the way we live our lives, and the difference knowledge can make. That’s why he created several natural science societies, just as he played a key role in founding ’Den Polytekniske Læreanstalt’ (’College of Advanced Technology’), now the Technical University of Denmark where he served as the first president.