Maria Ekblom

Professor Maria Ekblom is a Professor and Vice-Chancellor at The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH), leading the Department of Physical Activity and Health. Her research focuses on how physical activity impacts nervous system functions across life stages and neuromotor control. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience and is an associate professor (docent) in Sport Science.

Her research group collaborates with industry, schools, and healthcare to translate findings into practical applications via laboratory experiments, epidemiology, and implementation studies. Key interests include promoting brain health through physical activity and bridging research with real-world solutions.

Recent publications explore links between physical activity and mental health in adolescents, neurotrophic factor responses to exercise, and psychosomatic symptom reduction in ADHD. She actively seeks industry partnerships to advance physical activity initiatives.