Maria Ranner

Maria Ranner is a Senior Lecturer and Educational Leader in the Department of Health, Learning and Technology at Luleå University of Technology, specializing in Occupational Therapy within the Health, Medicine and Rehabilitation division. She holds a doctorate in medicine from the Karolinska Institute (2016) and completed postdoctoral work at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (2017-2019). As Educational Leader, she oversees the entire occupational therapy undergraduate program while maintaining an active research agenda focused on digital rehabilitation solutions.

Dr. Ranner's research primarily investigates internet-based interventions for stroke rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on the 'Strategies for Empowering activities in Everyday life' (SEE) program. Her work examines how digital tools can support self-management of daily activities, occupational engagement, and adaptation to changed circumstances following stroke. She explores implementation challenges from multiple perspectives including clients, occupational therapists, and workplace representatives.

Analysis of her recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a consistent focus on feasibility, user experiences, and practical implementation of digital rehabilitation tools. Her research demonstrates how structured internet interventions can empower individuals with stroke to drive their own change processes in daily activities, with particular attention to how occupational therapists adapt their roles when delivering digital care.

Dr. Ranner supervises doctoral students Monika Lindberg and Ida-Maria Barchéus, in addition to master's thesis students. Her supervisory approach emphasizes the integration of research with clinical practice, preparing students to address contemporary challenges in occupational therapy through innovative solutions.

As Educational Leader, Dr. Ranner is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of undergraduate occupational therapy education at Luleå University of Technology. Her leadership extends beyond curriculum development to include quality assurance, teaching innovation, and ensuring alignment between educational content and evolving healthcare needs, particularly in the digital transformation of rehabilitation services.