Helle Terkildsen Maindal, MPH, PhD, is Professor of Health Promotion and Intervention Research, Director of REACH (Centre for Health Literacy and Health Equity), and Head of the Applied Public Health Section. Her research focuses on health promotion and disease prevention among pregnant women and families at risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with a particular emphasis on health equity, life-course perspectives, systems approaches, and organisational health literacy. Her research is interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral, and conducted in collaboration with practice and community settings.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in learner-centred education, dialogue, and critical reflection. I aim to create engaging learning environments that connect theory with real-world practice and societal challenges. I teach health promotion, health literacy, and complex interventions across educational levels, from undergraduate programmes to continuing professional development. I supervise postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and MSc students and serve as an examiner of academic theses.
Collaboration across disciplines and sectors is a key source of inspiration in my research and leadership. I am an Honorary Professor at the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, where collaborative partnerships have strengthened international research in health promotion and health literacy. I also hold an honorary professorship at London South Bank University, with a particular focus on health inequalities. Close collaboration with national and local partners is equally important for ensuring high-quality, practice-oriented research. One example is the partnership with Aarhus Municipality’s Innovation Lab, which has provided a valuable platform for innovation and development.
I contribute to public health agendas by serving on councils, boards, and advisory boards. I serve on advisory boards for the National Institute of Public Health, FORUM for Early Action on Cardiometabolic Diseases, the Danish Diabetes Association, and the Aarhus Municipal Health Foundation, and participate in several research steering committees. I have served as Chair of the Danish Society of Public Health and work closely with the Danish Health Authority and other key stakeholders to strengthen public health through research, policy, and implementation.
