Knud Ryom

Knud Ryom is an active Associate Professor at Aarhus University's Department of Public Health - Department of Health Services Research. With a PhD completed in 2017 and a Master's degree in Sport Sciences, he has established himself as a researcher who bridges academic inquiry with practical community applications. His work is characterized by strong collaborations with both national and international partners including DECIPHer (Cardiff), Glasgow Caledonian University, Deakin University, Steno Diabetes Centers, and several Danish universities.

Ryom's research focuses on health promotion through physical activity initiatives that strengthen local communities. He employs a participatory approach combined with systems thinking, emphasizing co-creation with citizens, organizations, and students. His work spans community-based participatory research, complex interventions, and system dynamics, with particular attention to how physical activity can address public health challenges. He draws inspiration from learning theory, motivation theory, and psychology, influenced by thinkers like John Dewey and Kurt Lewin.

Ryom's publications demonstrate trends across public health, sports science, and community development. His recent work explores AI in healthcare, climate change policy, elderly mobility through walking groups, and youth sports wellbeing. His research consistently applies systems thinking to complex public health issues while maintaining practical relevance for communities and policymakers.

• Årets underviserpris 2019 på Institut for Folkesundhed, Aarhus Universitet

Ryom actively supervises students and coordinates multiple research projects, including the major 5-year "Lokalsamfund i Bevægelse" initiative. He serves as co-founder and editor for the Scandinavian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology and advises Danish sports organizations like DGI and the Danish Sports Confederation on wellbeing and physical activity issues. His research network spans both national institutions and international collaborations, demonstrating his commitment to knowledge exchange across boundaries.