Ingunn Olea Lund

I'm a Research Professor at PsychGen Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Mental Health 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.