Florien Boele

Dr. Florien Boele is an Associate Professor of Medical Psychology at the School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Faculty of Medicine and Health. She is supported by a Yorkshire Cancer Research University Academic Fellowship and holds dual affiliations with the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR) Patient Centred Outcomes Group and the Academic Unit of Health Economics within the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS). Her research is centered on improving supportive and palliative care for neuro-oncology patients and their families, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.

• PhD in Medical Psychology, VU University Amsterdam (2015)
• MSc in Clinical Neuropsychology
• BSc in Psychology

Her research interests span family caregiving, quality of life, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and symptom management in brain tumour populations, including glioma and meningioma. She investigates disparities in access to support, develops and validates PRO instruments (e.g., EORTC IADL-BN32), and evaluates digital and psychosocial interventions for caregivers. Her work integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods, with strong emphasis on long-term survivorship and equity in care.

Analysis of her recent publications (2021–2025) reveals a consistent focus on caregiver burden, longitudinal quality of life, rehabilitation, and methodological rigor in neuro-oncology trials. She leads and contributes to international initiatives such as RANO-Cares and EORTC, setting standards for PRO reporting and cognitive health assessment. Her work increasingly explores digital health tools (e.g., OurBrainBank) and personalized support systems.

Scientific awards and recognitions include:

• Yorkshire Cancer Research University Academic Fellowship
• Niels Stensen Fellowship

She is actively involved in research leadership, serving as Associate Editor for Neuro-Oncology Practice and contributing to EANO’s Scientific and Disparity Committees. She supervises PhD and DClin students and teaches on the MBChB and iBSc Medical Education programs. Her collaborative work includes major trials such as APPROACH, ARISTOCRAT, and BE SPeCiaL, reflecting a strong grant and project leadership profile. She is embedded in key research groups including the Brain Cancer Research Group and the Patient Centred Outcomes team, driving interdisciplinary, patient-focused research.