Christine Dalgård

Christine Dalgård is a Professor at the Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, where she is affiliated with both the Danish Twin Research Center and the division of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine. She holds a PhD (2006) and MSc in Experimental Biology and Human Nutrition (1994) from the University of Southern Denmark and Odense University, respectively.

• PhD, University of Southern Denmark, 2006
• MSc, Odense University, 1994

Her research lies at the intersection of public health, genetic epidemiology, and environmental medicine, with a strong focus on twin studies to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on health and disease. Key areas include telomere length, vitamin D metabolism, obesity, cardiovascular risk factors, epigenetics in type 2 diabetes, and environmental exposures such as PFAS. Her work leverages large cohort studies and advanced molecular techniques to understand disease mechanisms and promote healthy aging.

Recent publications highlight her ongoing contributions to environmental health and chronic disease research, with studies on prenatal PFAS exposure and childhood adiposity, sex-specific lipid associations with coronary calcification, epigenetic signatures in diabetes, retinal vascular heritability, and telehealth in sleep apnea management. These works reflect a multidisciplinary approach spanning molecular biology, clinical medicine, and public health policy.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Bedømmelse af speciale, KU-Life (2014)
• Bedømmelse af bacheloropgave, KU-Life (2014)
• Bedømmelse af speciale at Aarhus University, Dept of Food Science (2011)
• Bedømmelse af speciale at KU-Life, Human Nutrition (2011)

Christine Dalgård actively contributes to academic service through peer review, thesis examination, and participation in research committees at institutions such as the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University. She has been involved in major research projects, including the Long Life Family Study, focusing on genetics, healthy aging, and family-based cohort analysis. Her work demonstrates sustained funding, collaboration, and leadership in interdisciplinary public health research. She also engages in public outreach, frequently contributing to media discussions on topics like twin studies, vitamin D, and genetic influences on health.