Bo Stjerne Thomsen is a global leader renowned for his influential work in education, social impact, and environmental design. His visionary work spans over two decades, integrating innovative approaches in education across more than 25 countries, collaborating with international universities like MIT, Tsinghua, Tufts, Cambridge and Harvard University, and authorship of 20+ publications, 100’s of keynotes, podcasts and articles.
Bo’s focus on transformative solutions in education, healthcare, and urban development showcases his commitment to social impact through advanced technologies and partnerships. As a systems thinker, he is dedicated to redefining lifelong learning and solving complex challenges by cultivating an ecosystem of creativity, play, and social development.
Head of Educational Impact, 2024/01 –
Heading up the global impact team with the curriculum, efficacy and learning design teams seeking to impact student engagement, holistic skills and learning outcomes across science, technology, engineering and math with hands-on playful experiences.
Vice-President, Chair of Learning through Play, 2020 – 2023
Part of LEGO Foundation Executive Leadership Team, shaping global research, education and humanitarian initiatives, influencing educational systems and informal learning practices across more than 50 countries, while serving as a strategic advisor and thought leader to CEOs, governments, and international organizations.
Vice-President, Chair of Learning through Play, USA, 2021 – 2023
Developed a $100M equity-focused USA strategy, led key educational partnerships, served as a visiting research fellow at Harvard and Tufts University for impactful educational strategies, and directed $50M in grants to science fellows and community projects across four US states.
Vice-President, Global Head of Research / Centre, 2016 – 2020
Led research, education, design and evaluation disciplines with strategic partnerships, a $100M portfolio with over 500 researchers across 14+ education institutions and established research and innovation centers at top global universities; founded an international online learning community and drove initiatives in over 30 countries, impacting around 10 million children annually and collaborating with governments and leading consulting firms for social impact and educational transformation.
Director, Research & Learning, 2013 – 2016
Led a global network of 200+ researchers, research labs on three different continents, a research, design and education team across Denmark and US, and lead author for international reports on creativity, play and learning.
Head of LEGO Learning Institute, 2011 – 2013
Led the LEGO Learning Institute and heading up partnerships and academic programs to support employee corporate training, LEGO Education solutions and LEGO Group front-end development, to establish the cross-organizational and science-based understanding of children’s development, creativity, play and learning.
Robot Designer, 2009 – 2011
Led a new focus area on the intersection between advanced robotics solutions, health care, education and culture, including European partnerships focused on technology transfer.
Architecture & Urban Design Consultant, 2002 – 2009
Led the initial concept and design development of an international concert hall and university department and project manager of the client, architect, and entrepreneur relationships,
Assistant Professor, Dep. of Architecture & Design, 2004 – 2006
Teaching design thinking, the use of advanced 3D modeling and engineering simulations at the Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design degree. Student advisor and developing a new degree in Arts and Engineering.
Partner & Co-Founder, Novosion Aps, 2001 – 2009
Co-owner of design and consultancy business within architecture, engineering, art and urban design projects, across US, Mexico, China, Austria and Denmark. Did various projects across performance and arts spaces, education institutions and advanced design and simulations, incl. fully 3D visualization of one of the biggest cities in Denmark.