Marike Lancel

Marike Lancel is a Professor of Sleep and Psychopathology at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. She holds a senior researcher position at the Mental Health Institute GGZ Drenthe and is a somnologist at the Center of Expertise on Sleep and Psychiatry. Her primary roles include academic research, clinical work, and leadership in sleep-related interdisciplinary initiatives. Lancel has extensive international experience, including postdoctoral work at the Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry and a Habilitation in Medical Psychology from Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich.

Education:

• Bachelor's in Physiological Psychology (Leiden University)
• PhD in Sleep Pharmacology (University of Basel)
• Habilitation in Medical Psychology (Ludwig-Maximilian University)

Research Focus: Lancel's work centers on sleep disorders, psychopathology, and their interplay in mental health populations. Key areas include forensic psychiatry, prolonged grief, and the impact of shift work on sleep. Her studies often address clinical interventions (e.g., CBT-I) and translational research linking basic neuroscience to patient care. Collaborations span sleep clinics, forensic hospitals, and academic institutions.

Grants & Labs: She leads the Center of Expertise on Sleep and Psychiatry, coordinating multidisciplinary teams. Current projects focus on insomnia in forensic patients, sleep-screening protocols in mental health, and the role of sexual activity on sleep quality. Funding sources include national health research councils and institutional grants.

Media Engagement: Lancel frequently advises media on sleep-related topics, such as insomnia therapy, night shift risks, and the societal impact of sleep disorders. Her public commentary emphasizes evidence-based sleep hygiene practices and clinical innovations.