Research profile

Steffan Wittrup McPhee Christensen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Science and Technology (HST) at Aalborg University (AAU), with a background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and a PhD in Clinical Science and Biomedicine. His research centers on understanding musculoskeletal disorders, with a particular emphasis on spine-related pain conditions, their effects on movement and pain sensitivity, and potential treatment strategies, including exercise interventions.

Drawing on extensive clinical experience treating patients with complex chronic pain, Steffan integrates clinical insights into his research to ensure findings are directly applicable to those in pain. He has published numerous scientific articles on both the experimental and clinical aspects of musculoskeletal disorders.

Teaching profile

In his teaching, Steffan emphasizes real-world applicability by integrating clinically relevant knowledge that mirrors the challenges encountered in clinical practice. His PBL approach actively engages students in critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving, preparing them to navigate and address authentic clinical scenarios. By simulating cases related to pain and pain management, he enables students to develop clinical reasoning and rehabilitation planning skills that are directly transferable to patient care.

Bridging Research and Practice:

Drawing on extensive experience treating individuals with persistent pain, Steffan incorporates clinical insights into his teaching to ensure students learn methods and approaches grounded in both research and clinical practice. His combined research and clinical background allows him to guide students in understanding how to translate research findings into therapeutic strategies. Through his mentorship, students gain exposure to the latest scientific advancements and learn to critically evaluate and apply evidence in ways that directly benefit those seeking care in clinical settings.

Administrative profile

Current Roles (Selected):

• Board Member, Ethical Review Board, International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) (2023 - present)
• Board Member, Research Fund, Association of Danish Physiotherapists (2023 - present)
• Chair, Digital Strategy and Content Working Group, IASP (2021 - present; Co-chair until 2020)
• Member, Study Board at the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University (2020 - present)

Recent Academic and Professional Contributions (Selected):

• Expert Reviewer, Ethics Application, University of Birmingham (2024)
• Invited Grant Reviewer, Medical Research Council, UK (2021)

Organizer of Events and Workshops (Selected):

• Organizer, Musculoskeletal Symposiums and Public Lectures on Pain and Rehabilitation, featuring international speakers (2017 - present)