Romy van der Lee

Romy van der Lee is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with affiliations to the Network Institute and Organization & Processes of Organizing in Society (OPOS). Her research focuses on social psychological aspects of group processes and intergroup relations, particularly addressing devalued or stereotyped individuals. She holds a PhD in Social and Organizational Psychology from Leiden University (2013), an MSc in Social Psychology from VU Amsterdam (2007), and a BSc in Psychology from VU Amsterdam (2005).

Her research explores two core themes: (1) intragroup morality and norm violations in work settings, and (2) inter/intragroup diversity strategies for inclusive organizations, with a focus on gender disparities in academia. She employs mixed methods (e.g., psychophysiological measures, lab experiments) to address these questions. Teaching includes courses on identity, intergroup relations, diversity, and stereotyping at Bachelor/Master levels.

Romy has contributed to projects like the Kenniscentrum Ongelijkheid (examining inequality in academic transitions) and LINKS (disaster resilience through technology-society links). Her work addresses science skepticism, team dynamics, and gender equity in academic funding. Recent publications analyze gossip mechanisms, cardiovascular responses to moral evaluations, and science communication challenges across cultures.