Rutger Engels

Rutger Engels is a Full Professor in Developmental Psychopathology at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam. He previously served as Rector Magnificus (2018–2021), CEO of the Trimbos Institute (2014–2018), and was a distinguished professor at Utrecht University. He began his professorship at Radboud University Nijmegen in 2001.

• MA in Psychology, University of Groningen
• PhD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maastricht
• Postdoctoral training, Utrecht University

His research centers on early substance use, depression, anxiety, and emotion regulation in children, adolescents, and young adults. He is particularly focused on developing evidence-based, digital, and school-based prevention programs. His work integrates developmental psychology, clinical science, and public health, with strong emphasis on transdiagnostic approaches and real-world implementation.

Rutger Engels' recent publications highlight a strong trend toward digital mental health interventions, emotion regulation, and innovative methodologies such as microrandomized and cluster randomized trials. His research spans mobile health apps, game-based learning, and transdiagnostic prevention, targeting university students and adolescents. The integration of technology and psychological science is a unifying theme, aiming for scalable, international impact.

• Huibregtsenprijs (2011) – for research with societal impact
• Radboud Science Award (2012) – for top research at Radboud University

Rutger Engels has a strong record of mentoring PhD students and securing competitive research funding. His projects are supported by the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research (NWO), ZONMW, Dutch Cancer Society, Dutch Asthma Foundation, and the EU. He led a NWO-funded Center of Excellence for youth anxiety and depression prevention, reflecting his leadership in interdisciplinary, collaborative science. He actively supervises research and coordinates large-scale, multi-institutional efforts.

He is involved in developing and evaluating digital mental health tools and school-based programs, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. His leadership roles at the Trimbos Institute and Erasmus University reflect his engagement in institutional and national mental health research strategy.