LINXS portrait: Axel Eriksson, senior lecturer in ergonomics and aerosol technology at LTH

Axel Eriksson is a senior lecturer at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology at LTH, The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University. He is also a member of the core group for the Environment and Climate theme at LINXS.

Axel Eriksson became involved in a theme at LINXS because he wanted to learn more about X-rays and neutrons in connection to the study of aerosols.

What are you currently working on?

My research revolves entirely around airborne particles (“Aerosol”).  A theme I focus on currently, is surface layers of (proxies for) atmospheric aerosol particles. We have found that the particle surface, which mediates much of aerosol impact on health (millions die per annum) and climate (aerosol offsets some of our climate perturbation, which slows down climate change), to differ substantially from total particle composition. However, only the total particle composition is typically measured, because to properly measure particle surfaces, very specialised tools are needed. We have recently developed one such tool in a collaboration between LTH and MAX IV, and are now starting to use it for environmental science, which ties into my engagement in LINXS.

What first sparked your interest in your field of research?

I have been interested in science for as long as I can remember. I was looking for a topic for my master thesis and asked my favorite physics lecturer for advice. They pointed me to the LU Aerosol laboratory, where I found measuring aerosol particles to be an interesting challenge pursued by agreeable people. 

What challenge/societal problem are you trying to solve, and why is it important?

Aerosol is the main environmental cause of death: enormous human suffering arises from it. There is much left to learn about which particles are harmful, the mechanisms involved in the harm, and how it can be reduced. Aerosol is also an essential component in the Earth system, as there would be no clouds without aerosol. In both cases (health, and climate effects) the physicochemical properties of the aerosol are what determines the effect; therefore, I focus on properly understanding and measuring them.  

What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your work so far?

Interacting with PhD students, discussing their experiments, data sets and how to do science in general. I am fortunate to be active in strong research milieus with many opportunities for such interactions.

Why did you become involved in a LINXS theme?

I wanted to learn more about X-rays and neutrons, and network with people working with them. LINXS has elevated my X-ray based aerosol science and gave me opportunity to start working with neutrons, which I am convinced is a promising new direction.

What advice would you give to early-career researchers? 

Understand that many factors affecting your future career are out of your hands (no, it’s not fair). If you want to stay in academia, try to get involved in funding applications, big or small, as soon as possible. If you get an invitation to review a paper take it! It is very educational to see “the other side”.

Read more about Axel Eriksson in the Lund University Portal