Tom Postmes

Prof. Tom Postmes is a Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. He holds expertise in group dynamics, societal impacts of disasters, and online communication. Previously at the University of Exeter (2001–2007), he earned his PhD from the University of Amsterdam in 1997. His research addresses collective behavior, societal unrest, and the psychological effects of induced earthquakes in Groningen. He leads the Kennisplatform Leefbaar en Kansrijk Groningen, integrating knowledge on gas extraction impacts.

Education: PhD in Social Psychology (University of Amsterdam, 1997); Postdoctoral fellowships from KNAW (1998) and ESRC (2003). Major awards include grants from NWO, NSF, and the UK's Great Western Research Initiative.

Research focuses on how individual actions coalesce into group behaviors, particularly in crises (e.g., earthquakes, online activism). Key projects include studies on Groningen's societal consequences of gas extraction, dance performance's social impact, and digital communication dynamics. Collaborations include ministries, NGOs, and interdisciplinary teams like Random Collision dance group.

Publications span 150+ articles in journals like European Journal of Social Psychology and Proceedings of the Royal Society. Themes include group identity, social regulation in digital spaces, and disaster resilience. His work bridges theory with practical societal challenges, emphasizing community well-being and policy relevance.

Awards highlight contributions to social identity theory, conflict resolution, and applied psychology. Active in public engagement, he advises on disaster management and social unrest mitigation strategies.