Mikael Thinggaard

Mikael Thinggaard is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, specializing in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences and has an extensive research profile focusing on aging processes, longevity, and statistical methods for handling missing information in epidemiological studies.

• PhD Institute for Health Services Research
• ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7029-453X
• Telephone: +4565503854
• Email: mthinggaard@health.sdu.dk

Dr. Thinggaard's research primarily centers on aging research, statistical methods for handling missing information, and twin research. His work explores various aspects of gerontology including cognitive function, physical performance, and longevity determinants in elderly populations. His studies often utilize twin cohorts to investigate genetic and environmental influences on aging processes. He has made significant contributions to understanding factors affecting centenarians' health and longevity, with particular focus on biomarkers, cognitive function, and physical performance in the oldest old.

His research has revealed important insights about the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance in elderly populations, the impact of various biomarkers on longevity, and statistical approaches for handling missing data in longitudinal aging studies. His work bridges epidemiology, biostatistics, and biodemography to better understand the complex processes of human aging.

• Kirsten Avlund Prize 2017

Dr. Thinggaard actively participates in academic supervision and teaching, with upcoming courses on research methodology scheduled for 2025. He has been involved in numerous conferences including the Nordic Congress of Gerontology, where he has presented research and chaired sessions. His collaborative network spans multiple institutions focused on aging research.

His laboratory work focuses on analyzing biological markers related to aging, utilizing twin study designs to disentangle genetic and environmental factors influencing longevity. Current projects include investigating mitochondrial function, DNA repair mechanisms, and their relationship to physical functioning in centenarians.