What are your research topics?
A central focus of my research is population health and related risk factors, as well as associated social and global differences. I'm particularly interested in the interaction between social and biological factors, as well as international comparisons. I have also combined these themes in the research project I'm heading, where twin datasets collected in 24 countries have been collated and analysed.
Where and how does the topic of your research have an impact?
My research is typical basic research whose goal is to increase our understanding of the phenomenon studied rather than to find solutions to practical questions. Still, I believe my work has been of use, for example, when looking into reasons underlying socio-economic health differences.
What is particularly inspiring in your field right now?
International comparisons have been a central part of my research ever since writing my doctoral dissertation and an area from which I still draw a lot of inspiration. In recent years, I have conducted a lot of research collaboration with researchers in East Asia, especially in Japan but also in China and South Korea. The prosperous industrial nations and those that are rapidly becoming prosperous in East Asia provide, in many ways, an interesting point of comparison for Europe and the United States, helping to challenge many conventional patterns of thought.