Anna-Karin Welmer

I am an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy. I lead the Aging and Health research group within the Division of Physiotherapy, supervising a multidisciplinary team of three PhD students, a postdoctoral researcher, and a research assistant.

In addition to my research, I am an active teacher and course leader, and I contribute to doctoral education as Chair of the Course and Programme Committee for doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet.

My research focuses on health in older adults, with a particular emphasis on physical function, physical activity, and fall prevention. I combine clinical studies—including interventions, qualitative research, and implementation studies—with large population-based studies to better understand and improve healthy aging.

The main goals of my work are to:

• Identify determinants and consequences of disability, physical inactivity, and injurious falls in older adults
• Evaluate the effects of physical exercise interventions on functioning and health
• Implement evidence-based methods in clinical practice.

I have authored around 130 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 36 WoS) and have extensive experience designing and leading research in different care settings. My studies range from feasibility projects and randomized controlled trials to cohort studies, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to develop and evaluate interventions that enhance health, participation, and quality of life in older adults.

In 2015, I was awarded the Karolina Prize by Karolinska University Hospital for excellence in clinical research. As principal applicant, I have secured competitive funding from major national and regional funders, including the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet), Forte, Region Stockholm (CIMED and ALF), Karolinska Institutet, and other research schools and foundations.

I have extensive experience leading national and international collaborations, having served as work package leader for EU projects such as MPI_age (2014–2017) and SHARED (2019–2022), and as a member of the World Falls Guidelines expert group since 2019. I have supervised two doctoral students as main supervisor and co-supervised six others to successful defense.

I have served as course coordinator, examiner, and teacher for courses at undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels, with a particular focus on interprofessional education. I am currently responsible for the advanced courses “Dementia, from Cell to Society” and “Master Course in Dementia Care for Physiotherapists.”

I have completed more than 15 full weeks of pedagogical training and, in 2022–2023, served as one of five pedagogical ambassadors for doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet, which further deepened my experience in educational development.

As Chair of the Course and Programme Committee, I have gained a broad understanding of doctoral education at Karolinska Institutet, including its strengths, challenges, and areas for development. In close collaboration with committee members, course leaders, and doctoral programs, I support initiatives that enhance teaching and learning and help make a meaningful impact.