Niels den Toom

Niels den Toom is an Assistant Professor of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Studies at the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, affiliated with the Religion and Practice department. His work bridges academic research and practical spiritual caregiving, focusing on the professionalization of chaplaincy in pluralistic contexts.

• Focus on dynamics between personal meaning-making and communal traditions
• Chair of the Faculty Council and member of the Ethical Review Committee
• Active in training chaplains and improving spiritual care practices

His research explores how spiritual caregivers navigate ethical, cultural, and systemic challenges, with a strong emphasis on case studies and participatory methodologies. Recent publications highlight chaplaincy roles, research paradigms, and consensus-building in plural societies.

Scientific awards include:

• VGVZ Research Award (2023) for contributions to spiritual caregiving research

He also serves as a chaplain at Thebe Breda, ensuring his work remains grounded in real-world practice.