Dr. Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen is a leading researcher in musculoskeletal pain at Aalborg University, where he is dedicated to advancing our understanding of osteoarthritis (OA)-related pain. His work focuses on developing "Personalized Mechanistic Pain Medicine," aiming to create tailored, evidence-based treatments for chronic pain patients. 

With extensive expertise in pain mechanisms, Dr. Petersen investigates key factors influencing pain perception and treatment outcomes, including central nervous system function, inflammation and immune response, epigenetic mechanisms, and psychological and sensory processing factors. His research seeks to determine how these elements interact to shape individual pain experiences and influence treatment efficacy. He has emphasized the complexity and variability of these factors, noting that patients with both high inflammation and a highly pain-sensitive nervous system are less likely to benefit from total knee replacement surgery.

In addition to his research, Dr. Petersen plays a prominent role in the international pain research community. He has served as Chair of the IASP Special Interest Group for Musculoskeletal Pain (2022-2024), spearheading global research initiatives in musculoskeletal pain. As Co-chair of the Rising Star Program at the European Pain Federation (EFIC), he has contributed to mentoring and supporting emerging researchers in the field. His role as Section Editor for PAIN Reports since 2024 further demonstrates his commitment to the dissemination of high-impact pain research.

Dr. Petersen’s groundbreaking research has been widely acknowledged through prestigious awards and honors. He received the Young Research Talent Prize (2024) from The Danish Rheumatism Association for his outstanding contributions to the field. In 2022, he was awarded the Svend Andersen Talent Prize in recognition of his innovative research approaches in pain medicine. He is also a frequent speaker at major international conferences, having delivered seven talks, five as chair, at the World Congress on Pain and seven talks, three as chair, at the European Pain Congress since 2019.

Dr. Petersen’s research is driving the next generation of pain management strategies, with a strong focus on personalized treatment approaches. His interdisciplinary work aims to improve outcomes for OA patients by integrating cutting-edge scientific insights into clinical practice. Looking ahead, he remains committed to enhancing our understanding of musculoskeletal pain, ensuring that patients worldwide benefit from more effective and individualized treatment solutions.