Thomas Hansen is a Research Professor at the Department of Mental Health within the Norwegian Institute of Public Health . His work focuses on subjective well-being , loneliness , aging , informal caregiving , and active aging , combining quantitative research and systematic reviews to address critical public health challenges. Key research areas: Loneliness trajectories, caregiving impacts, digital interventions for social connection Active in longitudinal studies (e.g., HUNT, SHARE) and cross-sectional analyses Collaborates with institutions in Norway and internationally His recent publications span gerontology , mental health interventions , and social epidemiology , emphasizing population-level well-being and policy recommendations . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned. Thomas Hansen actively contributes to understanding social determinants of health in aging populations, advocating for evidence-based strategies to improve psychosocial outcomes through interventions targeting loneliness and caregiver support .
Mikko Myrskylä is Director at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) and Professor of Social Data Science at the University of Helsinki. Previously, he served as Professor of Demography at the London School of Economics. His academic training includes a PhD in Demography from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Statistics from the University of Helsinki. His research focuses on population health, fertility dynamics, and demographic forecasting. Key areas include: Low fertility determinants through the ERC Synergy project BIOSFER Social inequalities in health via the Max Planck-University of Helsinki Center Labor demography and population aging He leads MPIDR's Laboratory of Population Health, Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being, and Research Group Labor Demography. Myrskylä's recent publications show strong emphasis on: Fertility trends under economic uncertainty Health disparities across migration/life course stages Family dynamics and aging societies Methodological innovations in demographic analysis Work frequently employs large-scale register data and cross-national comparisons, particularly in Nordic contexts. He leads major collaborative initiatives including: ERC Synergy project BIOSFER (low fertility causes) MaxHel Center (social inequalities in health) with extensive interdisciplinary teams across Europe.
Gunnar Andersson is a Professor of Demography at Stockholm University's Department of Sociology and Head of the Stockholm University Demography Unit (SUDA). He leads research on fertility, migration, mortality, and family dynamics in Nordic contexts, with a focus on register-based methodologies. His work explores socio-demographic shifts, including fertility decline, migrant health outcomes, and the intersection of welfare policies with family formation. University: Stockholm University Department: Department of Sociology Research Group: Stockholm University Demography Unit (SUDA) Research Interests: Gunnar’s work addresses fertility trends in Sweden and the Nordic region, migration’s impact on population health, and the role of socio-economic factors in family dynamics. Key projects include studies on fertility intentions post-2010, mortality disparities among migrants, and the societal implications of declining birth rates. His studies utilize advanced demographic techniques and longitudinal register data for policy-relevant insights. Recent Research Trends: Publications highlight analyses of Nordic fertility decline, socio-demographic risk factors for COVID-19 mortality, and cross-national comparisons of family policies. Collaborative projects with SUDA emphasize multi-generational and spatial demographic shifts, including residential segregation and commuter mobility in urban Sweden. Grants and Collaborations: Lead researcher in projects funded by Swedish Research Council and EU programs. Oversees the Swedish Generations and Gender Survey (GGS), a key infrastructure for demographic research. Directs the SUNDEM node, leveraging Sweden’s administrative registers for demographic innovation. Labs/Teams: Leads SUDA, a multidisciplinary group analyzing population dynamics. Collaborates with international partners in Denmark, Norway, and Germany for comparative studies.
Dr. Christian End is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at Xavier University. He earned his B.S. from Xavier University in 1996 and his Ph.D. from Miami University in 2002. Dr. End has been teaching at Xavier since 2004, following a previous position at the University of Missouri–Rolla. He serves as co-Faculty Academic Representative for the athletic department and founded a research lab studying social media's psychological impacts. Dr. End's research explores social identity frameworks in sport fan behavior (aggression, self-presentation, conformity) and investigates interpersonal consequences of social media use. His work also addresses prejudice toward marginalized groups (adopted individuals, childless persons, welfare recipients) and spans communication dynamics and romantic relationships. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on social perception and prejudice mechanisms, with recent work examining religion's relationship to longevity, societal views on childlessness, depression-related stigma, sport fan superstitions, employment discrimination, media influences on aggression, and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ athletes. Methodologies include experimental designs and survey-based analyses across diverse populations. Dr. End teaches courses emphasizing psychology's scientific foundations, including: Research Methods & Design I/II (with labs) Social Psychology Orientation to the Major Senior Comprehensive Review Advanced Research Design Social Aspects of Behavior He actively mentors undergraduate and graduate researchers, regularly accompanying students to regional conferences where they present award-winning work. His laboratory facilitates investigations into social media's psychological effects and sport fan behavior.
Pekka Martikainen is a leading researcher in population health and demography, affiliated with the Population Research Unit at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki . He is also actively involved with the MaxHel Center and the Laboratory of Population Health , contributing to major research initiatives such as the Monitoring Mortality Inequalities Consortium and studies on immigrant-native health disparities. His research focuses on social and economic determinants of health and mortality over the life course, using extensive Finnish register data. Key interests include fertility and family dynamics , health inequalities , migration and health , early-life determinants of health, and behavioral factors influencing mortality. His work often explores intergenerational linkages and the role of socioeconomic status in shaping health outcomes. The most recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on mental health , genetic and social interactions , educational and occupational influences on health , and disparities in cancer and reproductive health . Studies frequently employ longitudinal, register-based designs across Nordic and European populations, highlighting cross-national comparative insights. Behavioral Determinants of Health and Mortality Costs and Gains of Postponing Parenthood Immigrant-Native Health Disparities Over the Life Course Linked Lives: Family and Socioeconomic Attainment Medically Assisted Reproduction Mortality Disparities at Subnational Level His research has been published in top journals including The Lancet , Demography , Social Science and Medicine , and European Journal of Epidemiology . He collaborates extensively with researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and leads or contributes to multiple large-scale projects analyzing health and demographic trends in Finland and beyond. Martikainen’s work informs public health policy and contributes to understanding how social structures and individual behaviors interact to shape population health and longevity. He plays a central role in advancing register-based demographic research in Europe.
Phillip B. Levine serves as the Katharine Coman and A. Barton Hepburn Professor of Economics at Wellesley College, with active affiliations as a Nonresident Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). His academic home is firmly within Wellesley's Department of Economics, where he teaches core statistics and econometrics courses alongside specialized policy-focused seminars. Levine's research spans critical social policy domains including fertility economics, college pricing systems, and childhood poverty interventions. His methodological signature involves rigorous statistical analysis of real-world policy impacts, particularly regarding disadvantaged youth. Key contributions include seminal work on abortion policy effects, retirement behavior during economic crises, and the disconnect between college sticker prices and actual affordability. His influential publications include the books Sex and Consequences: Abortion, Public Policy, and the Economics of Fertility , Targeting Investments in Children (co-edited), and A Problem of Fit: How the Complexity of College Pricing Hurts Students . Recent scholarship (2022-2025) reveals intensifying focus on declining US fertility rates, racial wealth gaps in college access, and post-pandemic birth trends, with frequent appearances in top economics journals. As founder and CEO of MyinTuition Corp., Levine bridges academic research and practical application through a simplified financial aid calculator now adopted by dozens of institutions. His policy commentary reaches broader audiences via New York Times , Washington Post , and major broadcast networks, demonstrating exceptional translation of complex economics into public discourse.
Dr. Evelina Akimova is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Purdue University. Her research integrates social science genomics , chronotype analysis , and quantitative causal inference to explore health inequalities and career trajectories.
Dr. Iwona Maciejewska, Professor at the Department of Polish Literature within the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, specializes in 17th-18th century Polish literary studies. Her research focuses on women's creative output, epistolography, autobiographical writing, and eroticism in Saxon-period culture. Current doctoral supervisor ORCID: 0000-0002-8165-502X Available research funds for doctoral projects Her recent publications examine: Baroque epistolary conventions Polish nobility family correspondence Manuscript analysis of historical documents Interdisciplinary approaches to old Polish literature Research interests include: 18th century autobiographical writing Polish romance novels and drama Epistolography and social networks Eroticism in historical correspondence She supervises doctoral students and contributes to editorial projects related to rediscovering marginalized female voices in Polish literary history.
Dr. Lucie Laumonier (she/her) is a historian specializing in late medieval France, particularly focusing on Languedoc and Montpellier. Holding a PhD from Université de Sherbrooke & Université Montpellier 3 (2013), she completed postdoctoral fellowships at Concordia University (2015-2016) and University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (2014-2015). Her research spans gender roles, family structures, fiscal systems, and religious practices in urban medieval contexts. 2020: Graduate Diploma in Journalism, Concordia University 2015-2016: FRQSC Postdoctoral Fellow, Concordia University 2014-2015: FRQSC Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities 2013: PhD in History, Université de Sherbrooke & Université Montpellier 3 Her publication record (2010-present) demonstrates expertise in medieval urban economies, gendered labor dynamics, inheritance systems, and religious institutions. Recent works (2024) on "Women and Work" and "Women in Trade" highlight her ongoing analysis of economic participation in medieval societies. Earlier studies examine tax policies, childcare practices, and family networks across 14th-15th century France. Scientific contributions include fellowships from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture. Her email address lucie.laumonier@concordia.ca indicates continued affiliation with Concordia University. While specific laboratory or team affiliations aren't detailed in available records, her collaborative editorial work (e.g., co-editing Montpellier au Moyen Âge ) suggests interdisciplinary engagement.
Renbao Chen is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Finance at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School, holding his current appointment since January 1, 2022. Recognized as the Best Chinese EMBA Professor in 2012, he has served as Academic Director for both the Chinese EMBA program and the International MBA program (a joint initiative with Peking University). His expertise spans financial management, risk management and insurance, employee benefits, and retirement planning, with extensive corporate advisory experience across Singapore and China. Dr. Chen's educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Economics from Anhui University (1985) Dual Ph.D. degrees in Insurance and Demography from the University of Pennsylvania (1993) Post-doctorate from the Wharton School (1993) His research centers on Insurance Purchasing Behaviours , Financial Markets , and Retirement Systems , with significant contributions to risk management strategies and demographic influences on financial decisions. His work bridges finance and demography, examining how population trends impact insurance markets and retirement planning. Additional research spans banking, applied economics, human resources, and econometrics, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to financial systems. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on insurance market dynamics in Asia and the US, including life insurance adoption patterns, underwriting cycles, and financial crisis impacts. His work evolved from demographic studies (e.g., birth timing) toward applied financial risk frameworks, demonstrating how demographic variables inform insurance product design and risk assessment methodologies. Scientific recognition includes: Best Chinese EMBA Professor (2012) While no academic advisees are documented, Dr. Chen has provided corporate training and consulting for over 20 years across financial management, bank operations, and insurance sectors for Singaporean and Chinese enterprises. He has conducted feasibility studies for multinational investments and served as financial advisor/director for multiple companies, translating academic expertise into practical business solutions.
Professor Jonathan Smith holds a Chair in Psychology at Birkbeck University of London's School of Psychological Sciences, where he leads the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Research Group (IPARG) and serves as Deputy Director of the Birkbeck Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Mental Health. His academic journey commenced with a BA from the University of Cambridge, followed by an MSc from the University of Sussex, and culminated in a DPhil from the University of Oxford. Smith's research program centers on advancing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a methodology for exploring health and illness experiences. His work spans critical domains including mental health interventions for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, chronic pain management, involuntary childlessness, and cross-cultural mental health adaptations. Current projects include NIHR-funded studies on epilepsy interventions, longitudinal bipolar disorder research, and international collaborations examining mental health during India's COVID-19 response. His publication trajectory reveals consistent methodological innovation in qualitative health psychology, with recent work emphasizing longitudinal IPA applications to temporal dimensions of health conditions. Key thematic clusters include mental health service development, embodiment in chronic conditions, and cross-cultural adaptation of psychological interventions. Smith's scholarly contributions have been recognized through: Honorary Fellowship of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Fellowship of the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS) He actively supervises five doctoral researchers while having successfully guided nine PhD candidates to completion since 2013. His research is supported by NIHR funding and institutional grants focused on mental health intervention development and qualitative methodology refinement. As head of IPARG, Smith maintains the primary international IPA resource hub (ipa.bbk.ac.uk) and coordinates national/international IPA networks, including the Health and Lived Experience (HALE) research cluster which fosters interdisciplinary mental health research.
Jenna Healey is an Assistant Professor and Jason A. Hannah Chair in the History of Medicine at Queen’s University, affiliated with the Department of History within the Faculty of Arts and Science. She holds a Ph.D. from Yale College (2016), an M.A. from the University of Toronto (2010), and a B.A. from the University of Guelph (2009). Her research focuses on the intersection of twentieth-century medicine, gender, technology, and health policy. Key projects include her current book On Time: Age, Technology, and Reproduction in Modern America , examining temporal politics of reproduction through the concept of the 'biological clock,' and earlier work on childlessness activism and reproductive technologies. She also integrates medical history into Queen’s undergraduate medical curriculum through her Hannah Chair role. Her scholarly contributions span peer-reviewed articles on topics like childfree activism and animal intelligence history, alongside public-facing pieces in The Conversation and The Washington Post . She teaches courses such as the History of Modern Medicine and Gender and Technology. Dr. Healey’s cross-disciplinary appointments include the School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences, reflecting her role in bridging historical scholarship with modern medical education.
Pearl Dykstra is a Full Professor of Empirical Sociology at Erasmus University Rotterdam since 2009. Her work focuses on life course sociology, family dynamics, and aging societies, with significant contributions to intergenerational relations and demographic changes in Europe. Erasmus University Rotterdam (2009–present) Member, High Level Group of Scientific Advisers to the European Commission (2015) Vice President, Netherlands Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011–2016) Chair in Kinship Demography, Utrecht University (2002–2009) Dykstra's research explores: Intergenerational family ties and solidarity Loneliness and social support in aging populations Demographic shifts in marriage, divorce, and childlessness Structuration of the life course and temporal family dynamics Substitution of public care by familial networks Her publications span empirical sociology, demography, and gerontology, with a focus on European aging societies and family support systems. Recent works examine evolving family relationships and care networks in later life. Scientific honors include: ERC Advanced Investigator Grant (2013) Fellow, Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) (2002–2003, 2009) Elected Member, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2004) Ontario Graduate Scholarship (1980, 1981) Elected Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2010) Dykstra has served as a scientific adviser to the European Commission and contributed to major demographic research projects across Europe.
Gerda Neyer is a Researcher at the Department of Sociology, Stockholm University, affiliated with the Stockholm University Demography Unit (SUDA). She holds a PhD in Political Science and an M.A. in Mathematics. Her work bridges demography and political science, focusing on welfare states, gender equality, and social inequality in family dynamics across Europe. Current projects include studying fertility intentions in Sweden amid declining birth rates, the impact of parental leave policies on family formation, and migration trajectories in Nordic countries. Research Interests : Demographic trends in fertility and family formation Gender equality and family policy analysis Education’s role in fertility and childlessness Welfare state responses to demographic challenges Key Contributions : Recent publications explore the link between employment uncertainty and fertility intentions, the decline of fertility in Sweden, and the influence of social investment policies on childbearing. Her work emphasizes contextual factors like institutional frameworks and economic stability. Labs/Teams : Active in SUDA, leading demography research at Stockholm University, offering master’s and PhD programs in sociological demography.
Megan Arnot is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Anthropology at University College London (UCL), having previously served as an Associate Lecturer (Teaching) in Evolutionary Anthropology (2021-2023). She concurrently holds a non-academic position as Senior Statistician at the UK Department for Education since December 2023. Her academic career at UCL began with undergraduate studies in 2013, culminating in an ESRC-BBSRC funded PhD. Her educational background includes: PhD in Biological Anthropology, University College London (2017-2021) MSci in Human Sciences and Evolution, University College London (2013-2017) Arnot's research focuses on human behavioural ecology and evolutionary anthropology, specializing in life history theory, reproductive decision-making, and post-reproductive lifespan evolution. Her work examines menopause timing and symptoms through reproductive conflict, social support mechanisms, and ecological influences. She extends evolutionary frameworks to contemporary issues including pandemic behavior, childlessness patterns, and health inequalities across diverse populations. Her publication record demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration across anthropology, public health, and social sciences. Key thematic clusters include menopause evolution (exploring timing, symptoms, and facultative variation), life course body composition (analyzing socioeconomic determinants in childhood/adulthood), and mental health perceptions. The research consistently applies evolutionary theory to empirical data from longitudinal studies and cross-cultural contexts, particularly emphasizing women's health and social determinants of well-being.
