Niels Overby

I am a part of the Eriksholm AI focus area, where I am researching novel methods of using deep neural networks as a key component of the audio processing in hearing aids.

I have a passion for everything related to sound. Initially, I went into engineering so that I could work with speakers and audio equipment for music. Later, I found out that the skills I learned from music equipment can translate to hearing aids, which inspired me to investigate how sounds can be modified in many ways to restore hearing deficits.

I met a lot of the people at Eriksholm while doing my PhD and had great impressions of both the people and the place.  I’ve also been interested in the research output which covers a lot of the topics that I’m interested in. For many years, I’ve seen myself wanting to work towards signal processing or AI-oriented topics, so I became especially interested in Eriksholm when the AI focus area was announced.

I am motivated by technical challenges. I see them as puzzles that are very satisfying to solve. I’m also incredibly happy to work with sound, since it’s such a tactile field where you can try out some ideas for signal processing and immediately listen to the results. I am also highly motivated by being surrounded by committed colleagues who are open to sharing ideas and collaborating, even if our topics and projects are, to some degree, unrelated.

I am driven by learning, so I hope to continue becoming more knowledgeable and strengthen my expertise in my field. I hope to be able to come up with solutions that make a difference to people, and that my research output can inspire other researchers to come up with new ideas.

I’ve found out how important daily exercise is to me. I live close to some beautiful forest and lake areas where I often go running or cycling. Lately, I’ve especially been enjoying long-distance running. Music is also still very important to me, and when I’m relaxing, I’ll often play the guitar or make strange sounds on synthesizers.

So much has happened in science that it is hard to decide. I think the most incredible accomplishments are happening in biotech within gene modification, which has led to inventions and numerous new types of medicines and vaccinations. I believe there is much more to come in this field, since it seems the opportunities are endless.

I am worried that there is a lot of distrust in science due to the spread of false information and lack of scientific literacy. I hope that in the future science becomes generally accessible both in terms of access and in comprehension for the public. I believe that would drastically lower the barrier of entrance to the world of science and, in general, improve trust in research.