Research and development areas

My research focuses on the interplay between children’s health, well-being, and education, with a particular emphasis on early prevention and a life-course perspective. I work on the development and implementation of "Udeskole" and Education Outside the Classroom (EOtC), school-based health programs, and outdoor pedagogical practices in early childhood education at both national and local levels. Through my research, I aim to strengthen the professional development of teachers and educators and to create frameworks that support their work with children in schools and early childhood settings.

A key aspect of my work is building bridges between the education and health sectors through a strategic collaboration between VIA’s Outdoor Pedagogy program and the Section for Health Promotion and Prevention at the Center for Clinical Research and Prevention in the Capital Region of Denmark. I am particularly interested in how "Udeskole", EOtC, and outdoor pedagogies can be applied as methods in mainstream schools, inclusive and special education, special schools, and special needs daycare.

In addition to the significant role of local communities and partnerships with external actors, nature serves as a unique learning environment where outdoor play, learning, and nature-based activities contribute to children’s health, well-being, and learning. In this context, I am particularly focused on social well-being, school motivation, as well as movement and physical activity, grounded in principles from self-determination theory. Furthermore, fostering children’s nature connectedness is a central focus of my work.

I am personally committed to promoting EOtC based on an informed foundation. Since 2020, I have been a board member of the Danish association UdeskoleNet, which advocates for more regular implementation of EOtC in Denmark. I am also a co-founder of www.udeundervisning.dk, a portal that shares knowledge about EOtC practice and research.