Johanna is an international expert on loneliness and social connection. In 2020, she co-founded the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection. Her research examines the assessment, mechanisms, and impact of loneliness on health and wellbeing. A major focus of her current work involves knowledge translation and communication to government, policymakers, community organizations and health care providers, to ensure that research evidence is accessible, understandable and of benefit to knowledge users.