Ruth Peters

Dr. Ruth Peters is an Assistant Professor in Global Health at the Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her research focuses on health-related stigma, transdisciplinary methodologies, and participatory approaches in global health. She leads projects in multiple countries, collaborating with institutions like WarChild and Harvard Medical School. Her work addresses stigma reduction for conditions like leprosy, HIV/AIDS, and ADHD, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices. Peters has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers, co-edits the journal Leprosy Review, and coordinates the International Public Health specialization in the Master of Health Sciences program. She has supervised over 75 master’s students and multiple PhD candidates.

Education: MSc Public Health Research and MA Development Studies from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Institute of Development Studies (Sussex University). PhD (cum laude, 2015) on leprosy-related stigma in Indonesia. Visiting Research Fellowships at Harvard Medical School (2018-2019).

Research Interests: Global Health equity, stigma reduction strategies, participatory research, mixed methods, and cultural validation of health tools. Current projects explore stigma in ADHD and leprosy reactions in Indonesia/India.

Awards: Rubicon Grant (NWO), Huygens Scholarship, VSB Fonds, Leprosy Research Initiative support.

Teaching & Leadership: Courses include 'Disability and Development', 'Epidemiology', and 'Global Health Strategies'. Chair of the Royal Tropical Institute’s Exam Board and member of the Faculty of Science Assessment Committee.

Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Athena Institute’s Global Health research group, collaborating with networks like the Network Institute and APH-Global Health unit.