Qihua Tan

Qihua Tan is a Professor at the Institute for Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, specializing in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography (EBB). With dual professorships in Biostatistics and Application (awarded 2014) and Genetic Epidemiology (awarded 2013), Dr. Tan has established a distinguished career in genetic and epigenetic research.

Dr. Tan's educational background includes specialized training leading to professorships in Biostatistics and Application (awarded February 7, 2014) and Genetic Epidemiology (awarded September 13, 2013). These dual qualifications provide a strong foundation for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of statistics, genetics, and epidemiology.

• Biostatistics and Application, Professorship (February 7, 2014)
• Genetic Epidemiology, Professorship (September 13, 2013)

Dr. Tan's research spans genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and the genetics of human aging and development. With a particular focus on epigenetic mechanisms, especially DNA methylation patterns, Dr. Tan has made significant contributions to understanding how genetic and environmental factors interact to influence health outcomes across the lifespan. The research often employs twin study designs, leveraging the unique genetic similarities and differences between monozygotic and dizygotic twins to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on various health conditions.

Analysis of Dr. Tan's extensive publication record (342 publications) reveals a strong emphasis on epigenetic research, particularly DNA methylation studies in relation to aging, disease development, and environmental exposures. The work frequently employs twin study methodologies, with significant focus on how early-life exposures (such as famine) affect epigenetic markers and subsequent health outcomes in later life. There's also substantial work on the genetic basis of age-related conditions and the development of epigenetic clocks as biomarkers of aging and disease risk.

Dr. Tan has received recognition for contributions to the field, as evidenced by media coverage of the appointment as professor in genetic epidemiology in 2022. The research has attracted attention for its implications in understanding the genetic and epigenetic basis of various health conditions.

• Tan er ny professor i genetisk epidemiologi (April 3, 2022)
• Tan er ny professor i genetisk epidemiologi (March 31, 2022)

Dr. Tan actively supervises students and has led multiple research projects, including major initiatives on the epigenetic effects of the Great Chinese Famine, biomarkers of late-life mortality, and molecular epidemiological studies of the cancer gene MGMT. Current research includes the ongoing LLFS (Længe Leve - et Familiestudie) project studying family life and aging (2006-2025), and molecular epidemiological studies of the cancer gene MGMT (2020-2025).

Dr. Tan leads a research team focused on epigenetic mechanisms in aging and disease, with particular expertise in twin studies and statistical genetics. The team collaborates extensively with researchers across Denmark and internationally, contributing to a growing body of knowledge on how genetic and epigenetic factors influence health outcomes across the lifespan.