Ingunn Olea Lund
Research Professor
Responsibilities
I'm a Research Professor at the Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Mental Health – PsychGen at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. While my PhD is in Addiction Medicine, my research journey has led me to explore a range of topics, including understanding the underlying causes and patterns of substance use and abuse, anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep problems. My research portfolio also includes a focus on the long-term mental health repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a research initiative I led, we advanced understanding in a critical area: the effect of normative alcohol consumption, a prevalent yet underexamined aspect of our culture. Our findings have raised awareness and sparked broader discussions on the implications of normative drinking, not only for individuals but also for those around them. Given that alcohol consumption is a modifiable behavior, our work emphasizes the potential for meaningful interventions.
Another significant aspect of my work is facilitating the PsychGen User Involvement Working Group. Our mission is to enhance the quality and impact of PsychGen and wider NIPH research by integrating user engagement throughout our research projects.
In addition to my PsychGen roles, I teach and mentor students at the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo. There, I enjoy sharing insights on health psychology with students across various levels, from bachelor's to Master's and clinical programs. My teaching philosophy is student-centered, emphasizing what students need to learn and the actions they take to achieve their learning outcomes. I carefully select teaching methods and assessment forms that support students in meeting these objectives, using a constructive alignment approach. Additionally, I include problem-based learning in my teaching to foster a deeper understanding and practical application of knowledge.