T.J.L. van Rompay

Thomas van Rompay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Science at the University of Twente, part of the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS). He is affiliated with BMS-HIB (Technology, Human and Institutional Behavior) and actively contributes to the University's DesignLab as a DL-fellow. His work bridges design, psychology, and technology, with a focus on health, wellbeing, and sustainable consumer behavior.

His research centers on how environmental and product design—particularly natural elements and multisensory experiences—affect human perception, emotion, and behavior. He investigates how design can promote responsible food and beverage consumption through innovations like 3D-printed packaging. His work is grounded in cognitive and embodied cognition theories, exploring how physical and virtual environments convey meaning.

Van Rompay is involved in several interdisciplinary research initiatives, including ZonMW's Growing Roots: Connecting Elderly through Virtual Nature Spaces, the Horizon 2020 project MinD: Designing for people with Dementia, and the Top Technology Twente project Digital Nature - Enhancing patient care & control, conducted in collaboration with Philips Research. These projects emphasize the role of virtual nature and technology in improving patient care and social connection, especially among vulnerable populations.

He contributes to tech-inspired education and research programs at the University of Twente, particularly within the DesignLab ecosystem. His expertise spans cognitive psychology, consumer behavior, perception, organizational design, and the psychological impact of digital environments.

While no specific awards or publications are listed in the provided text, his ongoing projects reflect significant funding and collaboration with national and European programs. He advises on design for health and wellbeing, though no students are mentioned.

Van Rompay is embedded in research teams including BMSLAB and the DesignLab, where he collaborates on human-centered technology development. His work continues to explore the convergence of design innovation, psychological theory, and real-world applications in healthcare and sustainability.