Julianne Holt-Lunstad

Julianne Holt-Lunstad is a distinguished professional in the field of psychology and neuroscience, currently serving as a professor at Brigham Young University. In addition, she holds the position of director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at the same institution. Holt-Lunstad is the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection, indicating her deep involvement in the study of human connectivity. Her research does not only focus on the individual and population health effects, but also on the biological mechanisms, and strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection.

Recognized as an international scientific expert on social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality, Holt-Lunstad has devoted a significant portion of her career to understanding and addressing these issues. She has extended her expertise beyond academia, serving as a scientific advisor and consultant for diverse organizations across sectors addressing social isolation and loneliness. This has enabled her to broaden her impact, providing insights that are applicable in real-world settings.

Holt-Lunstad's contributions to her field are recognized at a global level. She has provided expert testimony in a US Congressional Hearing and served as a member of multiple National Academy of Sciences consensus committees. Working with international organizations such as the UK Cross-departmental Loneliness Team, European Joint Research Council, World Health Organization, and the Gravity Project, she has expanded her influence on a global scale. Currently, she serves as a subject matter expert for the Commit to Connect national clearinghouse of interventions and the CDC, further solidifying her position as a leader in her field.