Stephan Schleim

Stephan Schleim is an Associate Professor for Theory and History of Psychology at the University of Groningen’s Heymans Institute for Psychological Research. He holds a M.A. in philosophy, psychology, and computer science (2005) and a PhD in cognitive science (2009), awarded the Barbara Wengeler Dissertation Prize. His research bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology, focusing on neuroethics, neurolaw, and science communication. He has led major projects like 'The History of Neuroethics' (NWO grant) and 'Intuition and Emotion in Moral Decision-Making' (Volkswagen Foundation). Schleim also serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Theoretical Psychology and contributes to public discourse via his Spektrum der Wissenschaft science blog. His work critiques the societal implications of neuroscience, including debates on neuroenhancement and the legal ramifications of adolescent brain research.

Education: M.A. (2005), PhD (2009, EUR 10,000 award). Notable publications include Gehirn, Psyche und Gesellschaft (2021) and Brain Development and the Law (2025). Awards include the Praemium Erasmianum Prize for his student’s dissertation (2015). He teaches courses on the theory of science and philosophy of psychology, and his interdisciplinary approach involves collaborations across 25 disciplines.

Research highlights: Analysis of neuroenhancement debates, critical neuroscience critiques, and the neuroscientific basis of Dutch adolescent criminal law. Media engagements include interviews with Nature News, Die Zeit, and Dutch national media. His work challenges reductive views of mental disorders and advocates for ethical, context-aware neuroscience applications.