Research profile

With a background as a veterinary surgeon and a PhD in human biology, I bring a unique multidisciplinary perspective to translational research, bridging clinical, academic, and life-science environments. My professional journey began with 11 years as a veterinary surgeon, which provided me with a strong foundation in pathophysiology and clinical problem-solving. This experience, combined with extensive academic training, has shaped a research career focused on the autonomic nervous system at the intersection of neurophysiology, diabetes, and gastroenterology.

As a full professor within the autonomic nervous system, I have established a state-of-the-art autonomic laboratory capable of capturing comprehensive sympathetic and parasympathetic profiles. This facility supports both mechanistic investigations and clinical trials, enabling the translation of fundamental insights into patient care. I have earned an internationally recognized reputation and status within this field. Finally, I have been selected as one of the emerging Talents from Aalborg University, known for my analytical mindset, collaborative leadership, and innovative approach to complex biomedical challenges.

At the Clinical Institute at Aalborg university, I am deeply involved in academic teaching and mentoring. I teach medical students at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels and contribute to curriculum development and laboratory-based instruction. I have supervised 18 PhD students (five as principal supervisor), 19 Master’s students (eight as principal supervisor), and numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students across medicine, veterinary science, and the Master of Pain Management program. My commitment to teaching is further demonstrated through my involvement in examinations and mentoring across a broad range of health science disciplines.

Over the past decade, I have led and coordinated multiple investigator-initiated clinical trials examining the effects of vagal nerve stimulation on cardiac and gastrointestinal function, its anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and the role of GLP-1. I am currently initiating a new project investigating the anti-fibrotic and neuroprotective potential of finerenon in microvascular complications of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. These projects reflect a commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration, strategic trial design, and regulatory engagement, with a particular focus on defining valid clinical endpoints and advancing consensus in the field. I have served as sponsor for seven clinical trials, overseeing their design, implementation, and communication with regulatory authorities.

In addition to research and teaching, I hold several academic leadership roles. I have secured over €3.7 million in research funding as principal investigator and co-applicant and serve on the executive board of NEUROdiab. I am a faculty member in FNM Neurogastro and have served as a faculty advisor at the Office of Global Education at Harvard Medical School. My contributions to the scientific community include reviewing for international journals, organizing symposia and workshops on neurophysiology, translational medicine, diabetic neuropathy, and visceral pain, and previously serving as head of the National Advisory Board of the Danish Diabetes Academy.