Naomi de Ruiter

Naomi de Ruiter is an Assistant Professor at the University College Groningen, part of the University of Groningen. She holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Groningen (2015) and completed a postdoc grant in Education Sciences at Utrecht University (2019). Her research focuses on the development of self and identity, mindsets, and dynamic systems theory, emphasizing how social interactions and time influence psychological processes.

She is actively involved in academic leadership roles, including:

• Board member of the Jean Piaget Society (since 2023)
• Editorial Board member of Human Development journal
• Board member of Young Academy Groningen (member since 2022, board since 2024)
• Chair of the Faculty Council at University College Groningen
• Member of the Open Science Program Steering Committee and Open Science ambassador

Her research interests span self-esteem dynamics, adolescent identity, teacher-student interactions, and interdisciplinary approaches. She employs methodologies like T-pattern analysis and integrates qualitative and quantitative data to study real-time processes in development. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to education and social inclusion.

Key awards include the 2023 Early Career Award from the Jean Piaget Society and a 2015 PhD Dissertation Award (second place) from VNOP. She has secured grants totaling over €215,000, including an Education Sciences postdoc grant (NRO) and multiple Enhancing Undergraduate Research grants (2021–2023).

Naomi advises PhD and postdoc projects and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams. She is affiliated with the Expertise Centre Interaction in the Diverse Classroom and the Qualitative Research Group Groningen, promoting inclusive educational practices and open science initiatives.