Karl Bang Christensen is a Professor at the Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. His primary research areas include Biostatistics, Item Response Theory (IRT) models, scale validation, patient-reported outcomes (PRO), and multi-state models for sickness absence analysis. Research interests: Rasch models and latent variable models for health outcomes Statistical methods for evaluating PRO instruments Exercise interventions in cancer rehabilitation Multi-state modeling of administrative register data (sickness absence, unemployment, disability pension) Article trends: His publications focus on Rasch models, IRT, survival analysis, clinical trials, and health education. Recent work addresses preventive health interventions in dermatology, while earlier studies emphasize cognitive dysfunction, migraine treatment, and social determinants of sickness absence. Teaching: He teaches statistics at the Master of Health Sciences and PhD levels.
Mo Wang is a University Distinguished Professor and Lanzillotti-McKethan Eminent Scholar Chair at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. He holds multiple leadership roles including Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives, Management Department Chair, and Director of the Human Resource Research Center. His research focuses on retirement strategies, occupational health, leadership dynamics, and advanced quantitative methods, supported by over $5M in federal funding from NIH, NSF, and CDC. Education: PhD (2005), MA (2003) from Bowling Green State University; BS (2001) from Peking University. Research interests include retirement policy, older worker employment, expatriate adjustment, and team processes. His work has been featured in major media outlets like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, and he advised U.S. Congress on retirement policies. A Fellow of AOM, APA, APS, and SIOP, he leads editorial roles for journals like Work, Aging and Retirement and serves on National Academies committees. Recent articles explore age bias in creativity, AI-driven workplace practices, and organizational resilience during crises. Awards include the Academy of Management HR Division Scholarly Achievement Award (2008) and SIOP’s William A. Owens Award (2016).
Emilie Friberg is an Associate Professor and Senior Researcher at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Clinical Neuroscience, where she leads the interdisciplinary research group focused on sickness absence, health, and living conditions. Her work spans multiple domains including multiple sclerosis, traffic injuries, mental health among students, and rehabilitation coordination. Dr. Friberg's research employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, utilizing nationwide registers, questionnaires, and interviews to investigate: Risk factors for and consequences of sick leave related to specific diagnoses Interactions between various stakeholders in illness and sick leave processes Systematic literature reviews in insurance medicine and related fields Her work bridges insurance medicine, public health, psychology, sociology, and health economics, addressing critical questions about work capacity, rehabilitation, and societal participation for individuals with chronic conditions. Current projects include studying sickness absence patterns in multiple sclerosis, long-term consequences of traffic injuries, the role of rehabilitation coordinators (REKO project), and mental health challenges among university students. Dr. Friberg's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent focus on sickness absence trajectories, work disability, and rehabilitation across multiple conditions. Her recent work shows increasing emphasis on register-based longitudinal studies examining the interplay between medical conditions, treatment approaches, and labor market outcomes, with particular attention to gender differences and socioeconomic factors. Her research is supported by diverse funding sources including Biogen, BMS/Celgene, Forte (Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare), the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, Neurofonden, and the Swedish Research Council. She supervises multiple PhD students and collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines and institutions, including Folksam Traffic Research and Stockholm County. Dr. Friberg's research group operates as an interdisciplinary hub bringing together medical doctors, psychologists, sociologists, economists, and other professionals to address complex questions at the intersection of health and work capacity. The group frequently employs mixed-methods approaches and has established strong connections with healthcare providers, insurance agencies, and policy makers to ensure research relevance and impact.
Simen Markussen is a Director at the Frisch Centre for Economic Research, affiliated with the Department of Economics at the University of Oslo. Holding a PhD in Economics (2010), he focuses on labour economics , social insurance programs , and health economics using empirical methods and Norwegian registry data . Education : PhD in Economics, University of Oslo (2010) His research explores economic mobility , sickness absence , and policy evaluation , with recent work on pandemic employment gradients, ADHD treatment outcomes, and housing market dynamics. Articles span Education Economics , BMJ Mental Health , and Journal of Health Economics , emphasizing causal inference and policy implications. Collaborations include projects on pension reforms , vocational rehabilitation , and social insurance fraud . Though no scientific awards are listed, his work informs Norwegian welfare and labor policies through Nordic comparative micro-data and randomized field experiments . Current projects address adult education incentives , corona crisis economic impacts , and interventions for crime-prone individuals . His 15 recent publications (2023–2025) highlight cross-disciplinary applications in public sector productivity , health policy , and economic inequality .
Alfonso Alba-Ramirez is an Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. He holds a Degree and PhD in Economics from the Universidad de Málaga. His research focuses on Labour Economics and Education Economics, particularly examining labour market adjustments for university graduates in Spain, gender differences in employment, and the impact of economic cycles on graduate employment. Education: Licenciado en Economía (Bachelor of Economics), Universidad de Málaga Doctor en Economía (PhD in Economics), Universidad de Málaga Research interests include labour market dynamics, fertility and employment interactions, and migration as a development factor. His work has been published in journals like Spanish Economic Review and Labour Economics , alongside books on labour economics and education policy. Teaching includes courses such as Principles of Economics, Labour Economics, and supervision of undergraduate theses. Recent research highlights include analyses of gender disparities in workplace sickness absence, graduate outcomes during economic recessions, and the effects of children on mothers' employment in Spain. He has collaborated with institutions like the International Labour Organization and maintains active engagement in Spanish economic policy research.
Maria Louison Vang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Faculty of Health Sciences. She also serves as a Senior Researcher at the Research Unit for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (Odense), Odense University Hospital (OUH), and is affiliated with the Knowledge Center for Psychotraumatology. Her work bridges academic research and clinical application in trauma psychology. Her research focuses on psychotraumatology, including PTSD, CPTSD, prolonged grief, burnout, and secondary traumatization. She investigates trauma exposure and mental health outcomes in high-risk professions such as emergency responders and legal professionals. Her studies often involve clinical validation of diagnostic tools, longitudinal cohort designs, and intervention development. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on trauma assessment, occupational mental health, and evidence-based interventions. Key themes include the development of structured clinical interviews (e.g., A-PGDi), latent class analysis of victimization patterns, and psychosocial work environment studies among Danish prosecutors and ambulance personnel. Her work integrates epidemiology, psychometrics, and clinical psychology. Saupere Aude Grant Maria Louison Vang actively supervises PhD and master’s students, including Jensen, C. F., Alkærsig, M., and Melander-Nyboe, P. She leads major research projects such as the ADAPT study and P.OEM series, funded by competitive grants. Her collaborations span across SDU, OUH, Ulster University, and the Danish Barnáhus network. She is involved in developing resilience programs like DUSA for emergency workers and contributes to public understanding through media engagement and teaching in psychotraumatology seminars.
Jatta Helena Valkonen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, where she conducts epidemiological research on lifestyle behaviors, occupational health, and aging transitions. Her work centers on longitudinal cohort studies examining physical activity, dietary patterns, psychological distress, and health trajectories during retirement, primarily through the Helsinki Health Study consortium involving Finnish municipal employees. Education: PhD in Public Health, University of Helsinki (2021) MSc in Human Nutrition, University of Helsinki (2019) MSc in Health Management, University of Oulu (2016) Dr. Valkonen's research investigates how socioeconomic circumstances, work environments, and individual behaviors interact to shape health outcomes across the lifespan. Her expertise spans observational epidemiology with emphasis on methodological approaches for tracking health changes during critical life transitions like retirement. Current projects analyze fruit/vegetable consumption disparities, workplace canteen influences on plant-based diets, and cumulative impacts of psychological distress on sickness absence. Her 2025 publications reveal cohesive trends in studying occupational determinants of health through sophisticated longitudinal analyses. Key themes include socioeconomic gradients in nutrition behavior, retirement as a health transition point, and synergistic effects of work stressors with mental health on functional outcomes—demonstrating consistent focus on modifiable workplace and policy-level interventions. Scientific Awards: Honorable mention in the Finnish Nutrition Society's dissertation competition (2022) Young Researcher of Sport Medicine of the Year award (2018) Dr. Valkonen actively supervises Master's theses and secures competitive funding as Co-Principal Investigator for Academy of Finland and Juho Vainio Foundation projects. Her grant portfolio includes statutory retirement health studies (2025-2027) and life-course socioeconomic analyses. She disseminates findings through international conferences including the European Congress on Obesity and European Public Health Conference, with media outreach via Yle (Finnish Broadcasting Company). As a core Helsinki Health Study team member, she collaborates within a multidisciplinary network of epidemiologists and sociologists analyzing municipal employee cohorts to generate evidence for healthier workplaces and aging policies.
Karin Dyrstad is a Professor at the Department of Sociology and Political Science, Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences at NTNU. Her research focuses on the intersection of political behavior and peace/conflict studies, particularly in conflict-affected societies and fragile states. She examines individual-level causes and consequences of political violence, support for peacebuilding strategies, and policy design improvements. Her work spans post-conflict contexts such as Guatemala, Nepal, Northern Ireland, and the Western Balkans. Key themes include public attitudes toward peace agreements, transitional justice mechanisms, trauma impacts, and the socio-political dynamics of post-war societies. She collaborates extensively with institutions like PRIO and Uppsala University, and her findings contribute to both academic discourse and policy recommendations. Teaching responsibilities include quantitative research methods and leading the political science specialization in NTNU's Social Science PhD program. Her outreach activities include media contributions, policy seminars, and international conference presentations on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and post-conflict governance.
Peter Skogman Thoursie is a Professor at the Department of Economics, Stockholm University. His research focuses on empirical labor economics with particular attention to social insurance systems, gender-related labor market dynamics, and disability pension policies. Key research areas: Sickness absence, gender norms in childcare, parental leave incentives, and labor market interventions for vulnerable groups Active in producing policy-relevant studies for Swedish reforms Recent publications examine: Gender wage gaps and career mobility patterns Disability benefit utilization Impact of tax policies on childcare distribution
Fay Giæver is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Psychology. She holds an MSc from the University of Reading (UK) and a PhD from NTNU. Her research focuses on emotions in work contexts, including organizational change, arts-based interventions, and employee well-being. She leads the KLIMAFORSK-funded MEATigation project, addressing sustainable meat consumption practices for climate mitigation. Giæver also explores emotional resilience in sustainability work and wearable technology applications in emotion regulation. Her education includes advanced degrees in Psychology, with a PhD specialization in organizational and work psychology. Giæver’s research spans over two decades, examining topics like presenteeism among healthcare professionals, choral singing as a well-being intervention, and the emotional challenges of environmental activists. She collaborates internationally, contributing to projects such as the MEATigation initiative and interdisciplinary studies on serious games for collaboration. Research interests emphasize translating emotional experiences into actionable strategies for organizational and individual resilience. Recent work integrates digital tools like smartwatches for emotion regulation in workplaces and educational settings. Giæver’s teaching includes courses on organizational psychology (PSY2019), workplace internships (PSY3133), and master’s supervision (PSY3913). Her publications span peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Social Movement Studies, BMC Public Health) and edited volumes, with a focus on qualitative methodologies. Giæver’s contributions bridge psychological theory with practical interventions, addressing contemporary challenges like climate action and mental health in work environments.
Annette Alstadsæter is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), affiliated with the Business School. She serves as Head of SKATTEFORSK – Centre for Tax and Behavioral Research, a leading research center focusing on tax policy, evasion, and behavioral responses. Her work is deeply rooted in empirical public economics and has significant policy implications. Her research interests include: Tax Evasion and Avoidance Wealth Inequality and Offshore Wealth Corporate Taxation and Profit Shifting Behavioral Responses to Tax Systems Policy Evaluation using Microdata Socioeconomic Impacts of Crises (e.g., COVID-19) Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on real-world tax compliance issues, often using Norwegian and international microdata. She frequently collaborates with top economists such as Gabriel Zucman and Niels Johannesen. Her work appears in premier journals including the American Economic Review , Journal of Public Economics , and Economic Policy , demonstrating both academic rigor and policy relevance. Notable scientific contributions include studies on offshore real estate ownership, wealth tax compliance, social networks in tax avoidance, and the impact of the pandemic on employment inequality. While no formal list of awards is provided, her high-impact publications and leadership role suggest significant recognition in the field. Annette Alstadsæter actively advises and mentors through her research center and collaborations. She leads major research initiatives and has secured funding for empirical studies on tax systems. Her work with administrative and survey data indicates access to substantial research grants and institutional support. She leads SKATTEFORSK, a dedicated research center at NMBU that brings together economists and policy analysts to study taxation and behavioral responses. The center produces influential policy-relevant research and fosters collaboration across institutions.
Pia Svedberg is an Associate Professor and Principal Researcher at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Insurance Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding genetic and environmental determinants of work disability, particularly sickness absence and disability pensions, through twin cohort studies and national register data. PhD in Epidemiology (2006), Karolinska Institutet Docent in Epidemiology (2013), Karolinska Institutet BSc in Psychology (1995), Uppsala University Her research group examines musculoskeletal and mental disorders' impact on labor market participation, utilizing Swedish Twin Registry data and national health registers. Key projects include the Swedish Twin project Of Disability pension and Sickness absence (STODS) and Sustainable working life: early determinants and later predictors (SustWork) , analyzing comorbidity, genetic liability, and workplace environment factors. Recent publications highlight her work on twin trajectories of work disability, gender-specific risk factors, and the interplay between mental health and occupational outcomes. Collaborations span Nordic institutions like University of Helsinki, University of Southern Denmark, and Norwegian Institute of Public Health through the NorTwinDiSa network. She leads studies investigating how early life events, health behaviors, and psychosocial factors influence sustainable working life, emphasizing methodological rigor through co-twin control designs and longitudinal analysis.
Simon Wessely is the Regius Professor of Psychiatry at King’s College London, based at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). He is a psychiatrist and epidemiologist who has been a key figure at King’s since 1991, after training at the Maudsley. He established the King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) in 1996 and co-directs it; he also leads the PHE NIHR Health Protection Unit for Emergency Response and Preparedness. His work spans military health, public mental health, epidemiology, and societal responses to crises. His research focuses on unexplained symptoms, military and veteran mental health, public mental health during emergencies, and the psychological impact of adversity. He has led major national initiatives, including the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act (2017–2019), and has been highly active during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading studies on healthcare worker wellbeing and long-term sequelae. His interdisciplinary approach includes collaborations with legal scholars, historians, and social scientists. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on longitudinal studies of military and emergency service personnel, post-COVID conditions, mental health disparities, and methodological rigor in psychological assessment. Themes include trauma, resilience, occupational health, and the social determinants of mental health. Notable scientific honors include being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (2021), Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal College of Physicians, and Royal College of Psychiatrists. He was knighted and appointed the first Regius Professor of Psychiatry in the UK. He has advised government and public bodies extensively and is a Past President of both the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal Society of Medicine. He leads major research units including the King’s Centre for Military Health Research and the PHE NIHR Health Protection Unit. He has secured significant funding for longitudinal cohort studies on veterans, police, and healthcare workers, particularly through the NHS CHECK and ADVANCE programs. He is actively involved in public engagement, having appeared on BBC programs like Desert Island Discs, The Life Scientific, and Today, and contributed to documentaries and cultural events on mental health and history.
Mr. Joseph LANFRANCHI is a Lecturer in Economic Sciences at Paris-Panthéon-Assas University. He conducts research at the Laboratory of Mathematical Economics and Applied Microeconomics (LEMMA), focusing on applied microeconomics, labor economics, and health economics. Position: Lecturer in Economic Sciences University: Paris-Panthéon-Assas University Research Center: LEMMA His research explores intersections of public economics, insurance economics, and human resource management, with emphasis on workplace dynamics and health-related economic impacts. Recent publications analyze topics like ICT's impact on sickness absences (2023), prosocial motivations in nonprofits (2022), gender pay gaps (2016), and environmental certifications' influence on worker behavior (2014). Articles span 2014-2023 and cover labor economics, health economics, and organizational behavior. Contact: joseph.lanfranchi@u-paris2.fr | Phone: +33(0)1 70 23 20 13
Dr. Ioulia Bessa is an Associate Professor at the Leeds University Business School , specializing in flexible work arrangements, non-standard employment, and platform economy precarity. She holds a PhD from Bayes Business School, City University of London, and has been affiliated with the Centre for Employment Relations Innovation and Change (CERIC) since 2015. Research Focus: Labour market insecurity, mental health impacts of precarity, post-BREXIT and post-COVID-19 workforce dynamics, and platform economy protest patterns Key Grants: ESRC-Digital Futures at Work (8m£), International Labour Organisation projects, and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung research Supervision: Mentoring PhD students on topics including gender pay gaps, sickness absence management, and single Chinese professional women's work-life experiences External Engagement: Regular media contributor (Financial Times, The Telegraph, CIPD), Higher Education Fellow, and member of CYGNA Women in Academia Network Her work combines quantitative analysis of national/international datasets like UKHLS and European Working Conditions Survey with qualitative insights into worker wellbeing and organizational responses to economic transitions.
