Hans Forssberg

Hans Forssberg is a Professor at Karolinska Institutet, leading the Division of Paediatric Neurology within the Department of Women's and Children's Health. He is affiliated with the Movement, Activity and Health – Eva Broström research group. His roles include professorial duties alongside clinical work as a neuropaediatrician at Karolinska Hospital. Forssberg holds extensive leadership experience, including vice president, dean, and director roles at Karolinska Institutet, and has contributed to major initiatives like the Stockholm Brain Institute and the New Karolinska Hospital planning.

Education: He earned a Medical Doctor degree from the University of Gothenburg (1975), focusing on integrative motor functions in the cat's spinal cord. His research spans neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism), global health interventions in low-resource settings, and translational neuroscience. He pioneered the Akwenda Intervention Program in Uganda, addressing cerebral palsy care in underserved regions.

Research interests include dopamine's role in neuroplasticity, gut microbiota's impact on brain development, and epidemiological studies of neurodevelopmental disorders in low-income countries. Recent work emphasizes low-cost interventions and improving access to care for children with disabilities globally.

Articles highlight clinical trials and population studies on cerebral palsy outcomes, gene-dopamine interactions, and nutritional disparities in affected children. His contributions extend to global policy, including WHO/UNICEF initiatives for early disability detection.

Professional honors include Nobel Assembly membership (2005–2016) and leadership roles in organizations like the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disabilities. He advocates for systemic changes to reduce disability stigma and improve healthcare equity.

Grants and advising: Forssberg has secured funding for global health projects and led teams developing diagnostic tools (e.g., Ugandan PEDI adaptation). His lab focuses on translational research bridging basic science and clinical practice.