Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff appointed professor of epidemiology and applied statistics at SDU

Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff has been appointed professor of Epidemiology and Applied Statistics at the Unit for Health Promotion, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark (SDU).
The professorship is closely linked to the collaboration with Odense University Hospital – Esbjerg.

Her research focuses on how we can best use data and numbers in health and prevention efforts – and on how to include patients’ own experiences in research, so these can be actively used in developing new knowledge.

One of her major projects is GUIDE (Growing Up in Digital Europe) – the first joint European research project to follow the wellbeing of children and young people over time. The project will explore how their wellbeing is linked to their everyday lives at home, in school and in their local communities. 27 countries are participating, and data collection will begin in 2027.

Where the professorship is based

The professorship is based at the Unit for Health Promotion, Department of Public Health at SDU. Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff is programme leader of the international MSc in Public Health in Esbjerg. She also leads the group responsible for developing a new master’s programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to work with health both in Denmark and abroad.

The professorship also includes an affiliation with Odense University Hospital – Esbjerg. Here, she will be part of the hospital’s research support unit, where she will provide statistical support to hospital researchers, in addition to contributing to the MSc in Medicine.

The appointment took place on 1 September 2025.

Academic profile

Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff has worked for many years in the fields of health and prevention, using data to find new solutions and identify patterns. She has published numerous research articles and is actively involved in both Danish and international research projects and networks.

With her experience and innovative approach, Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff is looking forward to shaping the future landscape of health sciences in Esbjerg – where research and teaching go hand in hand at Odense University Hospital – Esbjerg and the University of Southern Denmark.

– The decision to move to Esbjerg with my husband 15 years ago was both a personal and professional milestone, which now gives me an excellent opportunity to lead international research with strong regional roots, says Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff.