Dr. Trine Tegdan Moholdt is a Research Scientist and Head of the Exercise, Cardiometabolic Health and Reproduction (ExCaR) Research Group at NTNU's Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging. She earned her PhD in Clinical Medicine from NTNU in 2010. Her research focuses on exercise and nutritional interventions for cardiometabolic disease prevention in reproductive-aged women, with particular emphasis on prenatal and postnatal health interventions. Her work explores high-intensity interval training, time-restricted eating, and metabolic impacts on breast milk composition. She leads the ERC-funded ExMilk project (2023-2028) investigating exercised breastmilk as a preventive measure against childhood obesity. Research spans randomized controlled trials examining exercise protocols during pregnancy and lactation periods. Major Awards: European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes/Novo Nordisk Foundation Future Leader in Diabetes Award (2019) ERC Starting Grant for ExMilk Project (2023-2028)
Bjørn Bendz is a Professor II at the Clinic for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, and affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo. His role combines clinical cardiology with active research in acute coronary syndromes, interventional cardiology, and outcomes in elderly patients. Research Interests: His work focuses on invasive vs. conservative management strategies in elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), cardiac imaging (including speckle tracking and strain analysis), inflammatory pathways in myocardial infarction (especially IL-6 inhibition), and rehabilitation post-PCI. He also investigates high-intensity interval training in heart transplant recipients and patient experiences in cardiac care. Publication Trends: His recent articles (2022–2024) show a strong emphasis on clinical trials, meta-analyses, and multicenter studies, particularly in geriatric cardiology and interventional outcomes. Key themes include the After Eighty trial, TAVI outcomes, IL-6 receptor inhibition (e.g., tocilizumab), and patient-centered outcomes such as medication adherence and quality of life. Scientific Contributions: He has contributed to major studies published in European Heart Journal , Lancet , JACC , and BMJ Open . His role often involves analyzing long-term outcomes, patient stratification, and inflammatory biomarkers in cardiovascular disease. Grants and Advising: While specific grants are not listed, his involvement in large multicenter trials (e.g., After Eighty, HITTS, ACASA-TAVI) suggests leadership in collaborative research. Though no direct students are named, his frequent co-authorship with junior researchers indicates mentorship and advising roles. Labs and Teams: He collaborates extensively with research groups at Oslo University Hospital, particularly in cardiology and imaging. He is part of teams investigating inflammatory mechanisms in MI, cardiac rehabilitation, and interventional outcomes, often working with experts in echocardiography, immunology, and geriatrics.
Nikolaos Ntoumanis is a Professor of Motivation Science at the University of Southern Denmark, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, and holds a part-time professor II position at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in the Department of Sport and Social Sciences. He is also an Affiliate Professor at the Department of Psychology at SDU, a DIAS Chair, and holds adjunct/part-time positions at Curtin University and the University of Birmingham. He earned his PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Exeter in 1999 and has held key academic roles in the UK, Australia, and Denmark. PhD in Medical Sciences, University of Exeter (1999) Professor, University of Southern Denmark (2021–present) Distinguished Professor, Curtin University (2014–2021) Senior Lecturer to Professor, University of Birmingham (2001–2014) Ntoumanis’s research centers on motivation, particularly through the lens of self-determination theory, with applications in sport, health, education, and organizational settings. His work explores psychological need satisfaction and thwarting, goal regulation, behavioral interventions, and the 'dark side' of motivation. He has led numerous randomized controlled trials and experimental studies on physical activity promotion, doping prevention, and mental health in athletes and clinical populations. His recent publications highlight interventions in substance use disorder treatment, youth fitness, bedtime procrastination, and coaching behavior. His research has been published in top-tier journals such as Annual Review of Psychology , Journal of Educational Psychology , British Journal of Sports Medicine , and Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin . The body of his work shows a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, theory-driven intervention research with real-world impact, particularly in public health and sports policy. Fellow, Academy of Social Sciences (UK), 2014 Fellow, British Psychological Society, 2015 John Curtin Distinguished Professor, 2016 Distinguished International Scientist-Practitioner Award (AASP), 2019 Fellow, American Psychological Association, 2022 Fellow, Society of Behavioral Medicine, 2022 Distinguished Scholar Award, NASPSPA, 2025 ISSI Best Paper Award, 2014 Ntoumanis has secured over 245 million DKK in research funding from major international bodies including the Novo Nordisk Foundation, ESRC, ARC, EU, and IOC. He is the Director of the Danish Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Change (DRIVEN) and Editor-in-Chief of Psychology of Sport and Exercise . He has supervised numerous students and collaborated widely across Europe, Australia, and North America. His lab focuses on motivation, behavior change, and psychological well-being across diverse populations.
Nikos Ntoumanis is a Professor in the Department of Sport and Social Sciences at the Norwegian School of Sport and Health Sciences. His work integrates psychology, sport, and public health to improve physical activity and well-being across diverse populations, including adolescents, men in rural areas, and individuals in substance use recovery. His research focuses on behavioral interventions grounded in self-determination theory, goal-setting, and implementation intentions. Key themes include reducing bedtime procrastination, enhancing motivation for physical activity, and designing co-created health programs. He frequently collaborates with international institutions across Australia, Denmark, the UK, and South Africa. The recent publications show a strong emphasis on experimental and mixed-methods designs, particularly in evaluating structured exercise programs (e.g., FIT FIRST) and motivational strategies. His work spans school-based, community, and clinical settings, demonstrating a commitment to real-world implementation and scalability. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: No specific students or grant funding details are mentioned in the text. Labs and Teams: Collaborates with research teams across multiple institutions including Curtin University (CURTIN), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH), Edith Cowan University (ECU), University of Cape Town (UCT), and Medical Research Council (MRC). Involved in the FIT FIRST research program, indicating leadership in large-scale physical activity intervention studies.
Ulrik Wisløff is a Professor and Head of the Cardiac Exercise Research Group (CERG) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging. He is also an Honorary Professor at the University of Queensland, Australia, and has led over 280 peer-reviewed publications with ~72,000 citations, placing him among the world's top 4 most cited scientists in 'exercise' and the most cited Exercise Physiologist. Research spans from molecular mechanisms to population health Inventor of the fitness calculator (9.5M users) and PAI metric Scientific leadership in translating experimental findings to clinical applications Mentored 22 postdocs and 38 PhD students Research trends focus on high-intensity exercise in heart disease, aging, and metabolic disorders, with clinical translation and population health tools. Articles emphasize aerobic capacity, cardiovascular risk, and molecular-cardiovascular interactions. Scientific Awards Norwegian Health Association's Heart Research Award (2020) Teaching: Courses on exercise and cardiovascular health, brain health, and scientific writing. Labs: Leads CERG (55 employees) and collaborates internationally.
Bent Rønnestad is a Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Physiology at the Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, University of Inland Norway. His research focuses on endurance performance, interval training, and physiological adaptations in elite athletes. He leads the Trainome research group, exploring training optimization and athlete development. Key areas of expertise include cycling performance determinants, heat and altitude training effects, and the compatibility of concurrent strength and endurance training. His work emphasizes practical applications for elite athletes, with a focus on maximizing aerobic capacity, lactate threshold, and hemoglobin mass. Rønnnestad's recent studies highlight the superiority of short-interval training over long intervals for improving endurance performance, the role of heat acclimation in preserving hemoglobin mass, and gender-independent responses to high-intensity workouts. His articles consistently bridge laboratory findings with real-world athletic performance. No formal awards are listed, though his extensive publication record reflects significant contributions to sports science. He advises on training methodologies for elite cyclists and cross-country skiers, emphasizing microcycle design and physiological monitoring. Labs/Teams: Trainome Research Group (focuses on training optimization and athlete performance metrics).
Michael Thomas Durheim holds academic appointments as a Lecturer at the Institute of Clinical Medicine (2020-2021) and Senior Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet (2016–present). He earned his M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine (USA) and a Dr.Philos. in Pulmonary Medicine from the University of Oslo (2022). His research focuses on interstitial lung diseases, lung transplantation outcomes, and post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae. Education: M.D., Duke University School of Medicine, USA Dr.Philos., Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo Research Interests: Interstitial lung diseases (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) Outcomes in lung transplantation Post-COVID-19 cardiac and pulmonary complications Complement pathway in pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis Publications Trends: Recent works emphasize clinical trials (e.g., CleanUP-IPF trial), post-transplant complications, and the impact of antimicrobial therapy in pulmonary fibrosis. His post-COVID studies explore long-term cardiac and respiratory outcomes using imaging and biomarkers. Awards: None explicitly listed. Advising & Grants: Active in clinical trial design (e.g., randomized controlled trials on antimicrobial therapy) and translational research in lung transplantation. Collaborates on national and international studies. Labs/Teams: Member of the "Lung transplantation and inflammation" research group at the University of Oslo, focusing on translational and clinical studies in respiratory medicine.
Daniel Colin Turner is a post-doctoral research fellow at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH) , based in the Department of Physical Performance . He lectures in cell biology and molecular physiology within the bachelor's and master's programmes. Education B.Sc in Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, UK M.Sc in Sports Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University, UK Ph.D in Molecular Exercise Physiology / Bioengineering, Liverpool John Moores University and Keele University, UK Research Interests Turner's research centres on skeletal muscle biology with a strong emphasis on genetics and epigenetics . He explores how epigenetic mechanisms mediate muscle memory following exercise and disuse, employing bioengineering approaches and in vitro models. Additional interests include molecular exercise physiology and sports nutrition , integrating multi-omics techniques to understand muscle adaptation. Publications and Impact Since 2021, Turner has co-authored numerous high-impact papers investigating epigenetic memory in human skeletal muscle, the methylome response to dietary interventions, and the molecular underpinnings of muscle anabolism. His work appears in leading journals such as the American Journal of Physiology and The FASEB Journal . Scientific Awards No specific awards or fellowships have been listed in the provided text. Teaching and Supervision Turner teaches cell biology and molecular physiology to undergraduate and graduate students. No explicit list of supervised students is provided. Laboratories and Collaboration He collaborates extensively with international researchers, including teams from Liverpool John Moores University, Keele University, and other European institutions, leveraging cutting-edge molecular techniques and in vitro exercise models.
Emilie Frederikke Mass Dalhaug is a PhD Research Fellow in the Department of Sports Medicine at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, specializing in women's health and exercise physiology during pregnancy among elite athletes. She leads the "Strong Mama" project and previously contributed to the "School in Motion" initiative and PANCS3 national surveillance study of youth physical activity. Education: Master's degree in Sports Science, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, 2017 Research Interests: Her work investigates acute effects of high-intensity interval training on maternal/fetal health in pregnant athletes, elite athletes' pregnancy experiences, and practical challenges in returning to sport. She bridges sports medicine with maternal health through mixed-methods research on body satisfaction, thermoregulation, and pregnancy outcomes, addressing critical gender gaps in sports science literature. Publication Trends: Her 11 publications (2018-2025) consistently focus on pregnancy in athletic populations, with emerging themes in fetal well-being during HIIT, international comparisons of pregnancy-related pain, and evidence-based exercise guidelines. Recent work emphasizes both physiological monitoring (fetal heart rate, thermoregulation) and psychosocial aspects (body image, information sources). Awards: No scientific awards documented in source material Advising and Grants: As a PhD candidate, she does not supervise students. Her research is supported through institutional projects including "The gender gap in sport medicine research" and "Strong Mama," though specific grant mechanisms aren't detailed. Prior work involved NIH-funded national surveillance systems (PANCS3) and public health collaborations. Labs and Teams: She operates within NIH's Department of Sports Medicine research collective, collaborating with Prof. Lene Annette Hagen Haakstad, Prof. Kari Bø, and international partners on multi-center studies of elite athlete pregnancy. Her team integrates clinical obstetrics, exercise physiology, and qualitative methodologies.
Lene Annette Hagen Haakstad is a Professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences within the Department of Sports Medicine . She serves as the academic chair for the Master in Sports Medicine program and teaches courses such as Exercise Performance and Health Coaching, Bachelor's Thesis, and Master's Thesis modules. Her career at NIH began in 2005, and she earned her doctoral degree in 2010 with the dissertation 'Physical activity and weight gain in pregnant women'. Primary Research Areas: Women's health, physical activity during pregnancy, effects of exercise on maternal and fetal outcomes, aging women's physical activity, fitness industry's public health role, and physical activity as a psychiatric intervention. Projects: Leads the ALIVE project for older women's safe activity, Mind in Motion (MiM) , and Strong Mama , with contributions to international consensus guidelines on pregnancy exercise. Publications: 91 peer-reviewed papers (30 first-authored, 33 senior-authored), focusing on pregnancy outcomes, fitness trends, and mental health. Her work includes collaborations with global experts and participation in IOC consensus panels.
Morten Kristoffersen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), based at the Kronstad campus in Bergen (Office L233). His research focuses on exercise physiology and athlete health, with expertise in Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), training adaptations, and performance optimization in elite athletes. Research Interests: His work spans sports science, energy metabolism, and physiological responses to training. Key areas include: Impact of interval training on athletic performance Energy expenditure limits in endurance sports Health risks and prevalence of REDs in female athletes Molecular biomarkers for training responses Publications Focus: Recent articles (2023-2024) analyze cycling performance, REDs in football players, and microRNA responses to strength training. His studies consistently address physiological limits, athlete health monitoring, and optimization of training protocols. Awards & Advising: No awards or supervised students are mentioned in the available data.
Luca Paolo Ardigò is a Professor of Teacher Education and Sports at NLA University College in Oslo, Norway. With a broad academic profile spanning physical education, sports science, and multiple interdisciplinary fields, he maintains an active research presence across numerous domains of human movement and educational practice. His institutional affiliation places him within the Norwegian higher education landscape focused on teacher preparation and sports education. Professor Ardigò's research interests form an expansive portfolio that bridges physical education, sports science, and interdisciplinary applications. His work spans from fundamental motor skills development in children to advanced performance optimization in elite athletes, with particular emphasis on the intersection of physical activity and cognitive function. He investigates how factors like music, technology, and specific training methodologies influence athletic performance and educational outcomes. His research also extends to public health applications, examining physical activity interventions across diverse populations including preschoolers, schoolchildren, and special needs populations. An analysis of his recent publication record reveals a strong focus on evidence-based approaches to physical education and sports performance. His research demonstrates increasing integration of technology and data science methodologies, with numerous studies employing machine learning techniques to analyze metabolomics data, movement patterns, and performance metrics. There is a clear trajectory toward interdisciplinary research that connects sports science with cognitive psychology, public health, and educational theory, particularly examining how physical activity influences academic performance and cognitive development across the lifespan. Professor Ardigò's work demonstrates significant engagement with practical applications of sports science research in educational settings. His publications indicate strong international collaboration, with studies conducted across multiple countries and cultural contexts, particularly examining physical activity patterns and interventions in diverse populations including those in developing nations. His research portfolio reflects a commitment to translating scientific findings into practical educational and training applications.
Mona Sæbø is an Associate Professor in Molecular Biology at the Institute of Nature, Health and the Environment (INHM) , part of the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Studies at the University of South-Eastern Norway. She holds a PhD in Colorectal Cancer: Genetic Susceptibility and Environmental Impact from the University of Oslo (2008). Current positions: Master's coordinator for the Master's in Nature, Health and Environment, Course leader for Molecular genetics Research spans genetic methods applied to health, zoology, soil science, and microbiology Teaching roles include genetics at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels Her research focuses on genetics , molecular biology , and environmental health , particularly examining gene-environment interactions in colorectal cancer, DNA repair mechanisms, and microbial dynamics in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Recent work includes studies on microsatellite loci in rock ptarmigans, bacterial communities in eutrophic lakes, and stressor responses in Atlantic salmon. Key article themes include environmental DNA stability , phytoplankton bloom microbiology , and genetic polymorphisms in cancer susceptibility . She maintains active roles in academic leadership through her coordination of master's programs and doctoral committee service. Contact: mona.sabo@usn.no | Campus Bø | +47 35952814 Teaching responsibilities since 2006: cell biology, genetics
Ingvill Urianstad Odden is a Research Fellow at the University of Inland Norway , affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and the Section of Health and Exercise Physiology in Lillehammer. Her work focuses on training effects in both well-trained cyclists (The Block Study) and untrained individuals (Repeat) from a physical performance and health perspective. She investigates individual variability in training responses and the efficacy of repeated training programs. University: University of Inland Norway School: Faculty of Health and Social Sciences Department: Section of Health and Exercise Physiology Role: Research Fellow (PhD candidate) Her research spans Exercise Physiology , Sports Science , and Health and Fitness , with a particular emphasis on Endurance Training and Individual Training Response Variability . Through collaborations and membership in the Trainome research group, she contributes to understanding how different training intensities and environmental adaptations (e.g., altitude, heat) affect performance and physiological markers. Ingvill’s publications in journals like Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and European Journal of Sport Science include studies on interval training optimization, oxygen uptake dynamics, and altitude/hypoxic training effects. These works reflect her focus on Cycling Performance and Physiological Adaptations to training stimuli. She completed her academic training at HINN (Inland University College) and is actively involved in knowledge dissemination through a podcast titled "Training" , produced by her department. Her work integrates empirical research with practical applications for athletes and public health.
Kristian Gundersen is a Professor in the Section for Physiology and Cell Biology at the Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo. His research focuses on skeletal muscle physiology, particularly the mechanisms of muscle atrophy, hypertrophy, and the concept of 'muscle memory'—the persistence of myonuclei after training or steroid use, enabling faster re-growth later. He has published extensively in top journals like Nature Communications , Journal of Physiology , and PNAS , often collaborating with researchers such as Jo C. Bruusgaard and Ingrid Marie Egner. His recent work (2024) investigates muscle fiber adaptation following immobilization due to Achilles tendon rupture, while 2022 studies explore juvenile exercise-induced muscle memory and vascular effects of anabolic steroids. Earlier studies (2003–2016) address nuclear dynamics, gene regulation by electrical activity, and implications for doping policies, including collaborations with Atlantis Medisinske Høgskole. He has supervised PhD students like Einar Eftestøl and Ingrid Marie Egner , and his lab’s findings on nuclear retention have influenced debates on WADA’s doping exclusion policies. Media resources, including press releases and high-resolution images, accompany his research.
