معرفی
Naomi Ellemers is a Professor of Social Psychology of Organisations at Leiden University's Faculty of Social Sciences (Department of Psychology). She joined the university in 1999, following her academic career at the Vrije Universiteit. Her work focuses on understanding how group norms, values, and social identity influence individual behavior, particularly in organizational and intergroup contexts. She has conducted pioneering research on the physiological stress responses linked to marginalization and discrimination, leveraging cortisol measurements and brain imaging techniques to reveal unconscious reactions to social threats.
Ellemers holds a master’s and PhD from the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, both with Honours. Her research explores themes such as diversity in workplaces, the impact of group membership on self-perception, and strategies to foster inclusive environments. She emphasizes that belonging to groups is driven by alignment with moral values rather than tangible benefits like power or money. Her findings reveal how perceived threats to one’s values correlate with reduced performance and health risks, while challenges boost productivity.
- Key Research Contributions: Pioneered the link between social identity, stress hormones (cortisol), and cognitive performance under threat/challenge scenarios.
- Methodologies: Combines experimental psychology, physiological measurements, and interdisciplinary approaches to study group dynamics.
Ellemers’ achievements include the prestigious Spinoza Prize (2010) and the KNAW Merian Prize (2025), recognizing her scientific excellence and advocacy for gender equality in academia. She also received the Kurt Lewin Award (2008) for her work on social change and group behavior. Her current research, funded by the Spinoza Prize, investigates neural mechanisms underlying social stress responses.
While not explicitly listed as a lab director, she leads a research team within the Department of Psychology, collaborating on initiatives to advance organizational psychology and diversity science. Her advocacy extends to institutional reforms, such as promoting fair employment practices and dismantling exclusionary mechanisms in academia.
