First Woman President of EUROSPINE, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient of EUROSPINE, Founding Chair of EDISC, Visionary Advocate for Research and Global Spine Health
(Passed away on 28 May 2025)
It is with profound sorrow and enduring admiration that EUROSPINE announces the passing of Professor Margareta Nordin on 28 May 2025. A fantastic person, true pioneer and unwavering leader in interdisciplinary spine care, Professor Nordin engineered a new vision for spine care globally. Her legacy of compassion and intellectual rigour will endure in the worldwide spine and research community, the education institutions, and health policy.
A Trailblazing President and Inclusive Leader
Beside her academic work at the NYU and for WHO Professor Nordin made history in 2017 when she became the first woman to serve as President of EUROSPINE. Her presidency marked a defining moment for the society, as she brought new focus to equity, evidence-based care, interprofessional collaboration, and long-term educational strategies. Her leadership inspired not only us within EUROSPINE but also a new generation of spine professionals to lead boldly, work collaboratively, and think globally.
Founding Chair of EDISC: A Global Benchmark for Interprofessional Education
One of Professor Nordin’s most visionary accomplishments was her role as Chair founding of the EUROSPINE Diploma in Interprofessional Spine Care (EDISC). Developed in collaboration with a diverse group of international and interprofessional colleagues, EDISC became the first structured education programme of its kind, designed specifically to bring together physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, physicians and other allied health professionals in a shared evidence-based framework and patient-centred focus in spine care.
Her work on EDISC redefined the culture of spine education and solidified EUROSPINE's position as a leader in inclusive, interdisciplinary learning.
Elevating Spine Health on the Global Policy Stage: Spine20
With a steadfast belief in systemic change, Professor Nordin led EUROSPINE into the global health policy arena. Under her leadership, EUROSPINE became one of the founding societies of Spine20, an international advocacy initiative dedicated to promoting evidence-based spine health within G20 countries. Through her advocacy, she helped ensure that spinal disorders received long-overdue recognition as a public health priority worldwide. Her global perspective helped bridge clinical expertise with high-level health diplomacy.
Shaping a Research-Driven Future: Courses and Grants
A passionate champion of academic excellence, Professor Nordin played a pivotal role in building EUROSPINE’s research infrastructure. She was instrumental in launching the EUROSPINE Research Course, a keystone programme that provided early-career clinicians and scientists with training in research design, methodology, and critical analysis.
Equally transformative was her work in developing the EUROSPINE Research Grants programme, which, under her guidance, not only funded established research projects but also supported pilot studies, fostering innovation at its earliest and most critical stages. Her strategic foresight ensured that groundbreaking ideas could be tested, refined, and scaled into future-ready solutions.
Her leadership fostered a dynamic and inclusive research culture, nurturing the next generation of spine researchers and innovators.
An Enduring Architect of EUROSPINE’s Identity
From the society’s formative years to its modern expansion, Professor Nordin was a pillar of EUROSPINE’s evolution. Her fingerprints can be found across nearly every core function—from education and scientific programming to global strategy and faculty development.
She led by example, mentored generously, and never lost sight of the human impact behind every professional initiative.
Remembering Her Legacy
Professor Margareta Nordin will be remembered not only for her extraordinary professional achievements but for her authenticity, warmth, and relentless drive to elevate others. She challenged the status quo with humility, honesty and intellectual rigour. She forged new pathways with courage and left an indelible mark on the people and systems she touched. For her achievements and lasting impact on the society and the spine care community, EUROSPINE honoured her with a Lifetime Achievement award in 2024.
With Respect, Gratitude, and Lasting Remembrance
EUROSPINE extends its deepest condolences to Professor Nordin’s family, friends, and global colleagues. Her life’s work transformed how we learn, research, collaborate, and care—and her legacy will guide and inspire the spine community for generations.
Professor Margareta Nordin was not only a pioneer— with her cooperative attitude and personality she was a creator of opportunity and a builder of community, and a global leader who turned vision into impact.
May her memory continue to uplift, and her legacy endure in every corner of spine care.
