Tobias Sejbæk appointed professor of neurology at SDU

How can we detect early signs of disease activity or worsening symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and how can treatment be better tailored to each patient?

These are central questions in Tobias Sejbæk’s research, which includes work on biomarkers – measurable biological indicators that can provide new insights into how the disease progresses. His research also explores new MRI techniques and digital tools that could make it easier to monitor patients’ disease and adjust their treatment.

The professorship will enable Tobias Sejbæk to develop this research further and create opportunities for more researchers in Esbjerg.

– The direction of my research will not change fundamentally, but I will have more scope to focus on securing funding for other researchers and expanding the team, rather than primarily funding my own work. This will help us increase the scale of research on the west coast, says Tobias Sejbæk.

Strengthening the research environment in Esbjerg

Tobias Sejbæk has led neurological research in Esbjerg since 2019, a role he holds until November 2026. During this time, he has helped build a research environment bringing together early-career and experienced researchers.

The research group currently has four PhD projects under way, with a fifth recently completed. The projects range from developing new treatments, biomarkers and digital disease monitoring tools for MS to investigating headaches following concussion.

The group collaborates with neurology departments across Denmark and international research teams in countries including Spain, Portugal and the United States.

An experienced researcher and teacher

Born in 1981, Tobias Sejbæk grew up in Holbæk. He graduated in Clinical Biomechanics from SDU in 2007 and qualified as a medical doctor at the same university in 2010. In 2018, he completed his PhD on clinical assessment tools for symptoms including fatigue and cognitive difficulties in patients with MS.

He worked at Odense University Hospital from 2008 to 2018, apart from a year in the Faroe Islands. He became a Clinical Associate Professor at SDU in 2020 and a Consultant Neurologist in 2022.

Tobias Sejbæk has contributed to more than 90 scientific publications. He chairs the Danish society for multiple sclerosis research and the editorial group on MS treatment, and previously served as Vice-Chair of the Danish Neurological Society.

The Master’s degree programme in Medicine in Esbjerg was one of the things that drew him to the west coast. He has been responsible for neurology teaching on the programme, working closely with colleagues in Odense.

Outside work, Tobias Sejbæk is the father of three boys and spends much of his free time in badminton halls, watching their matches and training sessions.

The five-year professorship at SDU’s Faculty of Health Sciences runs from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2031.

Contact: Tobias.Sejbaek@rsyd.dk