Dorte Olesen facts for kids

Dorte Marianne Olesen (born in 1948) is a famous Danish mathematician. She made history in 1988 when she became the first Danish woman to be a full professor of mathematics at Roskilde University. She also played a big part in creating and improving education and research computer networks, both in Denmark and across Europe.

Early Life and Education

Dorte Olesen was born on January 8, 1948, in Hillerød, Denmark. Her father, Knud Henning Olesen, was a medical specialist, and her mother, Irene Mariane Pedersen, was a doctor.

After finishing high school in Copenhagen, Dorte first started studying medicine at Copenhagen University. She hoped to become a biophysicist, which is someone who studies biology using physics. However, she couldn't pursue that path.

Instead, she decided to study mathematics. She graduated in 1973 and even won the university's gold medal for her special project on a topic called operator algebra. She continued her studies at Odense University, where she earned her PhD in mathematics in 1975.

Dorte also traveled to other countries to study. She visited Philadelphia in the United States and Marseille in France. She was also a visiting professor at Berkeley in California from 1984 to 1985.

When she was 23, Dorte married Gert Kjærgaard Pedersen, who was one of her teachers at Copenhagen University. He also became a well-known mathematics professor. They had three children together: Just, Oluf, and Cecilie.

Career Highlights

Dorte Olesen returned to Copenhagen University in 1975 as a senior scholar. By 1980, she became a lecturer at the university's math department.

In 1988, she achieved a major milestone. She was appointed Professor of Mathematics at Roskilde University. This made her the very first Danish woman to become a full professor in the field of mathematics!

Leading Technology and Education

In 1989, Dorte took on a big role as the executive director of UNI-C. This was a Danish government department focused on using information technology (like computers and the internet) to help with research and education.

She led UNI-C until 2011. During her time, she helped create the Danish NREN research network. This network connects universities and research centers across Denmark. She also worked on developing computer services and trying out new ways to support education online.

Dorte was also a big supporter of using the internet for learning. She encouraged its use even in elementary schools. She also helped develop e-business (doing business online) in Denmark.

European Connections

Dorte Olesen also worked on important projects at a European level. In 1992, she joined a special committee for the European Commission that focused on high-performance computing and networking.

From 2001 to 2005, she was part of another expert group for the European Commission, looking at how to use information and communication technology (ICT) in education. At the same time, she was the president of TERENA. This organization helps connect research and education networks across Europe.

She continued to be involved in important groups, helping to shape the future of large European research networks like GÉANT. From 2014 to 2017, she served on the Board of Directors for GÉANT during a time when two big networking organizations, DANTE and TERENA, merged.

Awards

Dorte Olesen has received several honors for her work.

• In 1992, she was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog, which is a Danish order of chivalry.
• In 2000, she was honored as a Knight of the First Class in the same order.
• She also received the Tagea Brandts Rejselegat in 1987, which is a travel grant given to women who have made significant contributions in science, art, or literature.