Anneke Sools

Anneke Sools is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, Health & Technology at the University of Twente, Netherlands. She serves as Program Director of the Storylab, a research group focusing on narrative psychology, health, and technology. Her work bridges narrative methodologies with societal challenges such as ecological crises and moral dilemmas.

• Education:
• PhD in Narrative Research from the University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht (focused on Moroccan and Dutch low-SES older adults’ perceptions of healthy living).
• MSc in Psychology of Culture and Religion from Radboud University Nijmegen, awarded the Professor Halkes Thesis Award.

Her research explores how individuals construct hopeful futures in contexts of societal constraints, employing participatory methods and immersive technologies like VR. Central themes include moral imagination, ethical decision-making, and fostering dialogue in value clashes. She collaborates globally with researchers, artists, and societal partners, addressing issues such as chronic illness, ecological crises, and youth precarity.

• Awards:
• 2018 AERA Narrative SIG Early Career Award.
• Professor Halkes Thesis Award (MSc).

Advisory roles include the Association for Narrative Research and Practice, the Narrative Matters steering committee, and the European Qualitative Researchers (EQUIP) advisory board. She co-founded the Dutch Network for Narrative Research in 2010 with Floor Basten. Her work integrates psychology with technology to promote social resilience and ethical reflection.