Thomas Graven-Nielsen

Thomas Graven-Nielsen is a Full Professor and Director of the Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP) at the Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark. He also heads the Pain and Motor System Plasticity Research Group and has held key administrative roles, including Vice-Dean for Research and Head of the Doctoral School in Medicine. He holds adjunct professorships at Curtin University (2004–2019) and Western Sydney University (2015–2017).

His research centers on pain neuroscience and neuroplasticity, aiming to prevent maladaptive changes and promote recovery in chronic pain conditions. He emphasizes interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration, integrating biomedical engineering with clinical pain research. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and well-being.

His recent publications (2025) highlight advanced neuromodulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation, predictive modeling in osteoarthritis, and EEG dynamics in experimental pain. These reflect a strong focus on translating experimental findings into clinical applications.

• Lundbeckfonden grant (80 million DKK, 2024)

He has supervised 21 PhD students and is an active speaker at international conferences, including plenary lectures at IASP and EFIC congresses. His research is supported by extensive publications (over 800), datasets, and collaborations across Europe and Australia.

He leads CNAP, a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding and treating chronic pain through innovative neuroscientific approaches.