Jaap van Dieen

Jaap van Dieen is a Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, and the AMS - Ageing & Vitality and AMS - Musculoskeletal Health research groups. His research focuses on biomechanical aspects of human movement, particularly addressing musculoskeletal and neurological disorders' impact on posture, gait, and stability. He collaborates internationally to translate findings into clinical applications and measurement tools.

Key research interests include aging effects on movement, low back pain mechanisms, and gait stability. He has secured significant grants totaling over €3 million since 2016, including projects on Parkinson’s disease, spinal loading, and wearable robotics. He co-won the 2015 IEA/Liberty Mutual Medal for ergonomic contributions.

He advises multiple organizations (e.g., Heliomare R&D, MSG Network) and serves as an editor for PeerJ, Manual Therapy, and Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

Notable grants include a €1.6M JPND project on Parkinson’s disease (2022) and a €1M STW Wearable Robotics grant (2018). He mentors PhD students in areas like motor learning and power training efficacy in the elderly.

Collaborative projects involve institutions like TNO, Mainstay Medical, and international consortia, emphasizing translational research and industry partnerships.