Karin Hediger

Prof. Karin Hediger is a Full Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Lucerne, affiliated with the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology. She holds a PhD from the University of Rostock (2012) and habilitation from the University of Basel (2021). Her research focuses on clinical psychology and intervention strategies, particularly animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) in neurorehabilitation, pediatric chronic pain, and mental health. She has pioneered the PET@ home Toolkit to support home-based care for patients with pets, and has conducted randomized controlled trials on animal therapy effects in minimally conscious states and trauma recovery.

Education: BSc Psychology (University of Zurich), PhD (University of Rostock), Habilitation (University of Basel). Additional affiliations include the Open University in Heerlen (Netherlands) and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (since 2017). Licensed psychotherapist since 2011.

Research Interests:

• Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) in clinical populations
• Human-animal interaction mechanisms (e.g., oxytocin effects, brain activation)
• Neurorehabilitation for severe neurological impairments
• Psychosocial support for older adults with companion animals
• Ethical considerations in animal-assisted psychotherapy

Key Achievements: Developed the PET@ home Toolkit through Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD+), published over 80 peer-reviewed studies on AAIs in neurology and psychiatry, and contributed to global guidelines for integrating animals in healthcare. Her work bridges clinical practice with One Health approaches.

Grants & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams in neurorehabilitation and geriatric care projects. Active in Swiss TPH's One Health initiatives. Supervises PhD students in animal-assisted intervention research.

Labs/Teams: Coordinates the PET@ home research network and collaborates with equine therapy centers and veterinary organizations. Involved in EU-funded projects on nature-based interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.