Marianna Ruiz is a researcher with a background in special education and psychology, with experience in conducting randomized controlled trials. Her main research interests include autism, neurodevelopmental conditions, and the role of music-based interventions in health and well-being. She has worked in schools supporting neurodivergent children and has explored therapeutic applications of music across different populations. Her PhD project, Music for Autism, investigated the effects of music on autistic children, integrating neuroimaging and psychometric assessments to examine underlying mechanisms. As part of the GAMUT research center, she contributes to research on music-based interventions for neurodivergent individuals and other populations, including those with Alzheimer’s disease. She is also involved in securing funding and writing grants to support research that bridges health and social sciences.
Marianna is currently a Senior Researcher at the Research Unit for General Practice (AFE) in Bergen. AFE focuses on generating new knowledge to enhance patient care in general practice. Her work supports interdisciplinary collaborations that address complex challenges in healthcare, strengthening connections between research and clinical practice.
