Jan Hartvigsen is Full Professor and Head of the Research Unit for Clinical Biomechanics at the Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics at the University of Southern Denmark and Senior Researcher at the Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics. He is also Co-Director of the Graduate School of Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Southern Denmark as well as co-founder of the Danish Center for Muscle and Joint Health. Jan oversees a comprehensive research program dealing with clinical, epidemiological, basic science, and health service aspects of musculoskeletal disorders with a focus on spine pain and disability.

His main research interest is back and neck pain as part of general poor health and how lifecourse trajectories may be modified using patient education and physical activity and exercise to empower people to cope and live with their pain.