Marianne Nygaard

Marianne Nygaard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Southern Denmark, affiliated with the Danish Twin Research Center and the research group for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography. She holds an M.Sc. and serves as head of biobank, contributing to major population-based studies on aging and genetics.

Her research is centered on genetic epidemiology, aging research, and functional genomics. Key areas include genome-wide association studies (GWAS), DNA methylation, cognitive function, longevity, and the genetic basis of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental traits. She leverages data from twin studies and family-based cohorts to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on health outcomes.

The trends in her recent publications reflect a strong focus on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of aging, cognitive reserve, and longevity. Her work often involves large-scale collaborations, with recent articles appearing in Nature Human Behaviour, Alzheimer's & Dementia, and GeroScience, covering topics such as extreme human longevity, cognitive decline, and gene-environment interactions.

Scientific Contributions and Activities:

• Active peer reviewer for journals including Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
• Regular participant and speaker at conferences such as the 27th Nordic Congress of Gerontology
• Member of PhD examination committees
• Guest lecturer and external educator

Research Projects:

• LLFS: Long Life Family Study (2006–2025): Investigating family-based genetic and environmental factors in longevity
• Genetic and Epigenetic Influences on Aging and Lifespan: Focused on DNA methylation and CpG sites in aging processes