Malin Nygren-Bonnier

My research has a strong clinical and translational focus on precision rehabilitation in complex conditions, particularly post-COVID-19 condition, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and perioperative care and rehabilitation. 

I lead the research group Function and Health in Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions; https://ki.se/en/research/research-areas-centres-and-networks/research-groups/function-and-health-in-respiratory-and-cardiovascular-conditions-malin-nygren-bonniers-research-group, whose research spans the entire continuum from clinical studies and intervention trials to implementation in healthcare practice. The overall aim is to develop and evaluate evidence-based rehabilitation interventions that improve function, health, and quality of life.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have led the interdisciplinary research programme ReCOV (Recovery and Rehabilitation after COVID-19). This programme was established in response to urgent clinical needs and has generated new knowledge on long-term health outcomes, recovery trajectories, physical functioning, quality of life, and personalised rehabilitation after COVID-19. The programme includes one of Sweden’s largest post-COVID cohorts and combines longitudinal follow-up, clinical trials, and implementation research. 

A major focus of my current research is the development and evaluation of targeted rehabilitation interventions for people living with post-COVID-19 condition, including inspiratory muscle training, exercise-based interventions, and rehabilitation for autonomic dysfunction. I also investigate the mechanisms underlying persistent symptoms and recovery in post-COVID populations through national and international collaborations. 

In parallel, I conduct research on perioperative rehabilitation, including prehabilitation, early mobilisation after surgery, and postoperative recovery. I have also contributed to research on rehabilitation interventions for individuals with cystic fibrosis, neuromuscular disorders, chronic respiratory diseases, and impaired lung function. My research is conducted in close collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice.

I have published approximately 80 peer-reviewed original articles and secured substantial competitive external funding as principal investigator from major funding bodies, including the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, Region Stockholm, and Karolinska Institutet.

I have more than 20 years of experience in teaching, supervision, educational leadership, and curriculum development within physiotherapy and health sciences at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Since 2001, I have held a wide range of educational roles at Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital. Between 2012 and 2018, I served as Programme Director of the Study Programme in Physiotherapy at Karolinska Institutet, where I led major curriculum reforms, quality assurance initiatives, and pedagogical development projects. In this role, I was responsible for the development and implementation of the current curriculum and for strengthening work-integrated learning and collaboration between academia and healthcare.

As Head of the Division of Physiotherapy, I currently hold overall responsibility for physiotherapy education, including strategic educational development, research integration, and quality assurance across all levels of education. I have extensive experience as a course coordinator, examiner, supervisor, and mentor, including supervision. I have supervised nine doctoral students to completion, including two as principal supervisor. I currently serve as principal supervisor for three doctoral students and co-supervisor for four additional doctoral students

I have completed more than 30 weeks of formal university pedagogy and leadership training and have been a member of the Pedagogical Academy at Karolinska Institutet since 2015. My pedagogical approach is research-based and student-centred, with a strong emphasis on active learning, constructive alignment, reflective practice, and close integration between research, education, and clinical practice. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I co-developed a national digital knowledge platform for physiotherapists that facilitated rapid dissemination of evidence-based knowledge and clinical experience across Sweden. This initiative became an important resource for healthcare professionals and contributed to national knowledge translation during a period of rapidly evolving evidence. 

A central goal of my educational work is to prepare future physiotherapists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare through research-based education, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.