Rebecca Tapper

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in the HIT Study, a multidisciplinary co-creation project focused on the implementation of high-intensity interval training for older adults. The project is conducted in collaboration between the Department of Diagnostics and Intervention and the Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation.

I received my PhD in 2026 in Medical Science, with a specialisation in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, at the Department of Epidemiology and Global Health. My doctoral thesis, ARCTIHEALTH, investigated risk management and health effects of outdoor workers in cold climates among preschool staff, park and maintenance workers, and power grid workers. The doctoral project was part of the Arctic Graduate School.

Background

I obtained a Bachelor's degree in Social Psychology in 2016 and subsequently worked within the public sector on issues related to occupational health, organisational development, and social support for both individuals and work groups. These experiences sparked a strong interest in preventive approaches aimed at promoting a sustainable working life.

In 2022, I completed two Master's degrees: one in Work and Health and another in Decision, Risk and Policy Analysis. The combination of these disciplines has shaped my research and strengthened my interest in how evidence-based methods can be translated into practice to promote health and sustainability.

Research Interests

My overarching research interest lies in preventive approaches to health and sustainability across the life course. My previous research explored how people are affected by cold exposure in occupational settings and how risks can be mitigated in cold environments. Today, my work focuses on the implementation of exercise-based and health-promoting interventions for older adults, with a particular interest in how research can be translated into long-term sustainable practices within healthcare and society.