Maren M. Michaelsen

Biography and Expertise of Maren Michaelsen

Dr. Maren Michaelsen stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary health research, blending the analytical rigor of economics with the nuanced understanding of health sciences to explore mind-body medicine. As the Head of the Research Group ‘Mind-Body Medicine & Connectedness’ at Witten/Herdecke University, she investigates the mechanisms and effects of practices like mindfulness on well-being, stress reduction, and health behavior change. Her work provides critical data that bridges the gap between traditional practices and modern scientific validation.

Her expertise directly aligns with the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Michaelsen’s research, which includes randomized controlled trials on mindfulness-based interventions, provides the empirical evidence called for by the Gujarat Declaration and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy. Therefore, her findings are essential for developing scalable and effective public health policies.

Furthermore, the research led by Maren Michaelsen on connectedness—to oneself, to others, and to nature—powerfully resonates with the congress motto, particularly the pillar of “Well-being Societies.” By demonstrating how integrative health practices can foster a greater sense of connection and resilience, her work offers a scientific foundation for building healthier and more cohesive communities. This focus on evidence-based well-being makes her a key voice in the global conversation on sustainable public health.

Professional Career

Dr. Maren Michaelsen’s professional journey reflects a clear and dedicated progression toward leadership in interdisciplinary health research. Her career began with a solid foundation in academic research and has systematically evolved to a position where she now directs innovative studies in integrative health. This trajectory showcases her growing expertise and commitment to the field.

Each role has been a stepping stone, allowing her to deepen her research focus and expand her responsibilities from conducting research to leading a dedicated team. Consequently, her career path demonstrates a strong commitment to establishing mind-body medicine as a credible and evidence-based field of study.

• 2021 – Present: Head of the Research Group ‘Mind-Body Medicine & Connectedness’ at the Institute for Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion, Witten/Herdecke University, where she leads the strategic direction of research in this key area.
• 2021 – Present: Concurrently holds the position of Research Group Leader at Witten/Herdecke University, managing specific projects and mentoring junior researchers.
• 2017 – 2021: Served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Witten/Herdecke University, where she transitioned her focus to integrative health and began building her research portfolio in mind-body medicine.
• 2012 – 2017: Worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Duisburg-Essen, where she gained foundational experience in academic research while completing her first doctorate.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Dr. Maren Michaelsen is exceptionally unique, combining two distinct yet complementary fields of study. Her dual doctorates in economics and medical sciences provide her with a multifaceted perspective, enabling her to analyze health interventions not only for their clinical effectiveness but also for their economic implications and behavioral drivers. This robust interdisciplinary training is a cornerstone of her innovative research approach.

This educational background allows her to design studies that are both scientifically rigorous and practically relevant, addressing complex health challenges from a holistic viewpoint. Beyond merely identifying effective treatments, her work explores how to implement them sustainably within health systems.

• 2021: Awarded a Dr. rer. medic. (Doctor of Medical Sciences) from Witten/Herdecke University, deepening her expertise in health-related research and clinical science.
• 2016: Earned a Dr. rer. oec. (Doctor of Economic Sciences) from the University of Duisburg-Essen, with a thesis titled “Three Essays on the Economics of Health Behavior,” which established her expertise in health economics.
• 2010 – 2012: Completed a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Economics at the University of Münster, further specializing her analytical and quantitative skills.
• 2007 – 2010: Obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Economics from the University of Münster, where she built the foundational knowledge for her academic career.

Research and Publications

Dr. Maren Michaelsen‘s research agenda is centered on generating high-quality evidence for mind-body interventions. Her work rigorously investigates the impact of mindfulness, compassion, and connectedness on mental health and well-being. A key focus is the development and evaluation of scalable interventions, including digital programs, designed to reach broader populations, such as university students facing high levels of stress.

Her publications in high-impact journals provide concrete data on the effectiveness of these approaches. For example, her 2023 randomized controlled trial on the “Mindful Universe” online program demonstrated its success in enhancing connectedness and well-being. Moreover, a subsequent 2024 study by Maren Michaelsen delved deeper into the mechanisms, identifying connectedness to nature and others as key mediators of stress reduction. This type of research is vital for understanding not just *if* an intervention works, but *how* it works.

By focusing on mechanistic pathways and practical applications, her work contributes directly to the evidence base that health systems and policymakers require to confidently integrate TCIM practices. Therefore, her research is instrumental in translating ancient wisdom into contemporary, scientifically-validated public health strategies, a central theme of the 3rd WCTCIM.

Scientific Committee and Academic Service

Beyond her primary research activities, Dr. Maren Michaelsen contributes her expertise to the broader scientific community through active participation in academic service. Her role as a member of scientific committees for academic events is a testament to her standing and respected voice in the field of integrative health research. This involvement is crucial for maintaining the quality and integrity of scientific discourse.

Serving on such committees involves peer-reviewing abstracts, shaping the thematic direction of conferences, and ensuring that the presented research meets high scientific standards. Consequently, this work helps foster a collaborative and rigorous research environment, which is essential for the advancement of any scientific discipline. Dr. Michaelsen’s engagement in these activities demonstrates a strong commitment to nurturing the growth of evidence-based integrative medicine.

This type of academic leadership ensures that emerging research is properly vetted and that scientific gatherings are meaningful and impactful. Therefore, her contributions in this capacity play a vital role in building a strong, credible, and interconnected global research community dedicated to advancing traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine.

Connect with Dr. Michaelsen

For a deeper understanding of Dr. Maren Michaelsen‘s research, publications, and professional activities, a wealth of information is available through her official academic and professional profiles. These platforms offer comprehensive details about her work and its impact on the field of integrative health.

Official University Profile: View Profile at Witten/Herdecke University

Google Scholar: View Publications on Google Scholar

ResearchGate: Connect on ResearchGate