Anselm B. M. Fuermaier, PhD, is Associate Professor for Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Groningen, Netherlands. His research focuses on the assessment of attention disorders, with a special emphasis on symptom and performance validity testing in adult ADHD evaluations. University: University of Groningen Department: Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology Academic Rank: Associate Professor Dr. Fuermaier’s work has advanced understanding of: Network analysis in ADHD diagnostics Cognitive functioning disparities Embedded vs. standalone validity measures Standardization of neuropsychological testing Reaction time variability as ADHD biomarker His recent publications examine: Impairment assessment frameworks Longitudinal cognitive patterns Delphi consensus on diagnostic protocols Performance validity in mixed neuropsychiatric samples
Denny Borsboom is Professor in the Psychological Methods Group at the University of Amsterdam, where he directs the Social and Behavioural Data Science Centre. His research program develops network theories of psychopathology, novel psychometric methods, and formalized psychological theory through initiatives like the Psychosystems Project and Theory Methods Lab. Research focuses on conceptual foundations of measurement, complex systems approaches to mental disorders, and computational modeling of psychological phenomena. Recent publications advance network psychometrics, validity theory, and integration of intra/interindividual dynamics. Articles demonstrate strong methodological innovation through computational psychiatry applications, network theory development, and philosophical engagement with psychological foundations. Recurring themes include psychopathological networks, measurement realism, system transitions, and collaborative theory-building frameworks.
Dr. Muirne Paap is an Associate Professor with Ius Promovendi at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen. She specializes in psychometrics, with expertise in test theory, item response theory, and computerized adaptive testing. Her research focuses on enhancing clinical decision-making through advanced measurement methodologies. Education: PhD in Psychiatry from the University of Oslo (2011), MSc in Clinical Psychology and Psychometrics from the University of Groningen (2006, cum laude). Research Interests: Development of reliable clinical assessment tools Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) applications in healthcare Measurement of personality disorders and quality of life Notable Projects: SEALS Project (2024–2028): Methodology for progressive tests in education PersoniCAT Project (2019–2022): Adaptive diagnostic interviews for personality pathology Awards: FRIPRO Young Research Talents Grant (2018) Member of the Young Academy Groningen (2021) Teaching: Test theory, item response theory, and applied statistics at undergraduate and master's levels. Collaborations: Extensive international partnerships, including with Oslo University Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Netherlands Cancer Institute.
Jolien Zevalkink is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and has taught at Radboud University Nijmegen. She specializes in developmental psychopathology, attachment disorganization, and clinical interventions. Her research emphasizes the impact of family dynamics on child behavior and the efficacy of psychoanalytic therapies. Education background includes developmental psychology and social anthropology, with a PhD focusing on attachment patterns in Bandung, Indonesia. She has led projects such as the 'Instapje' intervention study on Surinamese mothers and children, and developed mentalizing-oriented therapies for children, published in Dutch and English. Teaching roles include coordinating courses on developmental psychopathology, diagnostic practices, and evidence-based interventions at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. She has supervised three PhD theses, including works on psychoanalytic treatment efficacy and psychometric analysis of the BDI-II. Key contributions include co-authoring Mentaliseren in de kindertherapie , a clinical manual, and publishing on object representation assessment during psychotherapy. She is a certified coder for attachment assessment instruments like the Attachment Story Completion Task. Her research spans cross-cultural studies (Indonesia, Suriname) and integrates anthropological perspectives with clinical psychology. Current projects focus on emotion regulation in children with dyscalculia and process evaluations in psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
Anselm Fuermaier is an Associate Professor at the Department of Clinical & Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen. His academic roles include editorial board memberships for journals like Psychological Injury and Law and Applied Neuropsychology: Adult . He holds a PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology from Groningen (2014), previously serving as Assistant Professor before promotion to Associate in 2020. Education: MSc in Psychology (2010) from Universities of Regensburg, Germany, and Keele, UK PhD in Clinical Neuropsychology (2014) from University of Groningen Research focuses on neuropsychological assessment of attention disorders, validity testing in clinical populations, and ADHD in adults. Key themes include symptom validity, performance assessment tools, and cognitive functioning in neurological/psychiatric conditions. His work addresses challenges like feigning detection and AI-assisted coaching impacts. Publications emphasize ADHD assessment methodologies, post-COVID cognitive impairments, and Parkinson’s disease financial capability studies. His team develops tools like the Groninger Effort Test (GET) for validity assessment. Awards include the BSS Science for Society Award (2018). He advises on driving cessation for cognitively impaired patients and collaborates internationally on neuropsychological research.
Dr. Suzanne Arends is an Assistant Professor and epidemiologist at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, specializing in rheumatology within the Translational Immunology Groningen (TRIGR) research group. Her work focuses on inflammatory autoimmune diseases, particularly axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and Sjögren’s syndrome , addressing clinical disease activity, psychosocial influences, and novel treatment approaches. Key Research Areas: Axial spondyloarthritis (disease activity, central sensitization, lifestyle factors) Sjögren’s syndrome (lymphoma risk, salivary gland imaging, systemic activity) Interdisciplinary links to UN SDGs: Health, Wellbeing, Scientific Collaboration Recent Publication Trends: 2025 studies explore axSpA pain mechanisms and Sjögren’s patient-reported outcomes. 2024 work emphasizes treatment-resistant axSpA definitions, Sjögren’s lymphoma management, and biologic therapy outcomes. Scientific Recognition: Recipient of the Sjögren Award 2022 for clinical research Contributor to Duncan A. Gordon Award -winning team Public Engagement: Media expert on axSpA exercise guidelines (2024) Keynote speaker at 16th International Symposium on Sjogren’s Disease (2024)
Fabiola Müller, PhD is an active researcher specializing in psycho-oncology, quality of life assessment, and behavioral interventions for cancer-related symptoms. Her work primarily focuses on cancer-related fatigue management, particularly within couples contexts, and the development of patient-reported outcome measures for clinical trials. Active researcher with 20 research outputs including 18 articles, 1 review article, and 1 thesis Specializes in experience sampling methods and longitudinal assessment techniques Presents regularly at international conferences including Society for Ambulatory Assessment and Association for Researchers in Psychology and Health Engaged in media outreach regarding couples-based approaches to cancer-related fatigue Dr. Müller's research interests center on the intersection of psychological interventions and physical symptom management in oncology. She has developed expertise in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy protocols adapted for couples dealing with chronic cancer-related fatigue. Her work examines how intensive longitudinal methods can capture symptom trajectories and treatment response in complex conditions like cognitive impairment with comorbid depressive symptoms. She has made significant contributions to the methodology of patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials, particularly regarding how to improve the quality of experience sampling method items. Her publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory toward developing and testing innovative interventions for cancer-related fatigue, with a distinctive focus on the dyadic (couples) context. She has published on response shift phenomena following cognitive behavioral therapy for severe fatigue, examining how patients' internal standards and values change during treatment. Her most recent work includes developing a consensus-based quality assessment tool for experience sampling method items, indicating her growing influence in methodological aspects of behavioral research. Regular presenter at major conferences including Society for Ambulatory Assessment, Association for Researchers in Psychology and Health, and Serious Health Games and Apps Conference Active contributor to media discussions about couples-based approaches to managing cancer-related fatigue Member of Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver (2016) Dr. Müller has established collaborative relationships across multiple institutions, with particular emphasis on translating research into practical clinical applications. Her work bridges clinical psychology, oncology, and methodology, with a consistent focus on improving assessment and intervention approaches for patients experiencing cancer-related symptoms. She has demonstrated commitment to open science practices and international collaboration in her research endeavors.
Wouter van Ballegooijen is an Assistant Professor at the Clinical Psychology Department within the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He holds an ancillary position as a Medewerker at Amsterdam UMC and serves as an Editor for Frontiers (Lausanne) since 2021. His research focuses on evidence-based mental health interventions, meta-analytic methods, suicide prevention, and digital mental health technologies, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Education & Research Interests : His work centers on synthesizing global psychotherapy outcomes, evaluating digital interventions (e.g., JITAI), and addressing suicide risk in clinical populations. Key methodologies include meta-analyses, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and implementation science frameworks. Recent Research Trends : His 2025 studies highlight global psychotherapy effectiveness, cognitive behavioral therapy efficacy, and the feasibility of digital health strategies. Earlier work validated online mental health tools and tested internet-based therapies for depression and anxiety. Grants & Projects : He contributed to the European-COMPAR project (2014-2017) on online depression interventions. Current projects include optimizing digital mental health implementations and assessing suicide prevention strategies via smartphone apps. Labs/Teams : Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in e-mental health, including work on the CASPAR study for continuous suicide monitoring and the SPIN network for rare disease interventions.
Dr. Sjacko Sobczak serves as a Lecturer in Dementia, Mental Health and Behaviour at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Healthcare Innovation Knowledge Center. She concurrently works as a geriatric psychiatrist at Mondriaan and as a senior researcher at Maastricht University. Nationally recognized as a leading figure in traumatic stress in people with dementia, she initiated and leads the global collaboration ON TRACK within the Global Collaboration on Traumatic Stress (GCTS). Dr. Sobczak's research primarily focuses on traumatic stress in older adults with dementia, examining diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, and the cognitive implications of PTSD in this population. Her work bridges clinical practice and academic research, with particular emphasis on developing better diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for dementia patients experiencing trauma-related symptoms. She has launched significant initiatives including 'Geriatric Psychiatry Week' in 2023 and serves on the National Scientific Council for Dementia and Very Serious Behavioral Problems (DZEP) since 2023. Her extensive publication record demonstrates a clear progression in the field, with recent articles (2024-2025) focusing on diagnostic accuracy of PTSD assessment in older adults, cognitive impacts of PTSD, and innovative treatment approaches including EMDR therapy. The publications reveal a strong emphasis on systematic reviews and collaborative research efforts to establish evidence-based practices in this specialized area. Board member of the Geriatric Psychiatry Department of the Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) since 2022 Member of National Scientific Council for Dementia and Very Serious Behavioral Problems (DZEP) since 2023 Leader of global collaboration ON TRACK within GCTS Principal investigator for multiple research projects including GLISTENING, RESOUND, TRACE, and TRAUMA TESTAMENT Dr. Sobczak actively collaborates with various healthcare institutions including Argos Zorggroep, tanteLouise, Mondriaan, and Altrecht. Her work connects closely with educational programs at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, particularly the Bachelor's program in Nursing and related minors. She regularly engages with students through academic projects and graduation research within her research group.
Hans Hobbelen serves as Professor (Lector) at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, Netherlands, where he leads the Centre of Expertise Healthy Ageing and specializes in Healthy Aging, Allied Health Care and Nursing. His international leadership includes presidency of IPTOP (International association of Physical Therapists working with Older People), a subgroup of the World Confederation of Physical Therapists. His research focuses on geriatric care complexities, particularly dementia-related motor disorders (paratonia), frailty assessment through gait analysis, health literacy adaptations in physiotherapy, and oral health implementation in long-term care. He develops practical clinical tools like the Safe Use of Mobility Aid Checklist (SUMAC) and Com-In-Action communication framework, emphasizing real-world application in community and institutional settings for vulnerable older populations. Recent publications (2025) reveal three dominant trends: systematic reviews on oral health implementation strategies, qualitative explorations of subjective frailty experiences, and capability frameworks for dementia care. His work consistently bridges clinical practice and research through tools for health literacy adaptation, mobility assessment, and interdisciplinary care protocols. World Physiotherapy International Service Award (2023) Hobbelen directs major research initiatives including PRODEM (Practical Research for People with Dementia) and the international Move in Age consortium, securing €2.1M+ in funding since 2018. His supervision spans doctoral candidates in geriatric rehabilitation, with current projects addressing palliative pain management, aphasia rehabilitation, and sarcopenia-dementia intersections. Grant portfolios emphasize implementation science and interdisciplinary collaboration across nursing, physiotherapy, and geriatrics. He co-leads the Move in Age international research group and directs Hanze's Centre of Expertise Healthy Ageing. His IPTOP presidency shapes global physiotherapy standards for older adults, while national roles include board membership in the Dutch Association for Geriatric Physiotherapy (NVFG). Current initiatives focus on translating research into clinical masterclasses on paratonia management and dementia care protocols used across European healthcare systems.
Dr. Sietske Sikkes is an Associate Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences (Department of Clinical Neuropsychology) and Amsterdam Neuroscience - Neurodegeneration. Her research focuses on optimizing measurements of cognition, everyday functioning, and behavior in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. She develops tools like the Amsterdam IADL Questionnaire and the Cognitive-Functional Composite (CFC), and investigates diversity in measurement across cultures and genders. She also leads initiatives on non-pharmacological interventions and dementia prevention. Education: PhD in Medicine (2011), VU Amsterdam: 'Measuring IADL in dementia' Master’s in Epidemiology (2009), VU Amsterdam Master’s in Psychology (2003), University of Amsterdam Research Interests: Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, cognitive decline detection, functional assessment tools, cross-cultural validation, and lifestyle interventions. Her work aims to create 'digital biomarkers' for early diagnosis and disease progression tracking. Teaching: Coordinates and lectures courses on aging, dementia, and neuropsychological interventions for master’s students. Courses include 'Aging & age-related disorders' and 'Neuropsychologische Interventiemethoden'. Professional Engagement: Scientific Program Committee AAIC (2022–present) ISTAART advisory council (2019–2022) Vice-chair of non-pharmacological interventions (NPI-PIA) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) professional interest areas Media & Outreach: Engages the public through TV appearances, lectures (e.g., Concertgebouw), and interviews on cognitive tracking and dementia prevention. Active in translating research for lay audiences.
Erik Taal is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen, specializing in Psychology, Health and Technology. His research focuses on chronic disease management, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, emphasizing patient-centered outcomes and behavioral adaptations. He has extensive experience in developing patient-reported outcome measures and digital health interventions. Key research areas include goal management strategies for chronic illness, psychosocial aspects of arthritis, and health-related behavior change post-stroke. His work integrates clinical psychology with healthcare technology, such as patient decision aids and computerized adaptive testing for symptom assessment. Developed the CROSS checklist for improving survey study reporting Pioneer in internet-based cognitive-behavioral interventions for rheumatoid arthritis patients Validated patient satisfaction measures for imaging-based consultations Recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award (2001), he has authored over 450 publications and contributed to 10 supervised works. His collaborations span global institutions, addressing cross-cultural validation of health measures and international healthcare standards.
Rick Pleijhuis is a Physician Scientist at the Faculty of Medical Sciences , University of Groningen, working within the Department of Allergology. He specializes in allergy and immunology, particularly focusing on chronic urticaria, angioedema, and medical decision support systems. Active in medical innovation through roles like Chairman of NVvAKI Quality Committee and Project Leader of Innovation Friday Co-founder of health tech platforms OSAsense and Evidencio Member of multidisciplinary teams like DASH think tank and TIM Solutions His research centers on allergic disease mechanisms , prediction modeling , and cross-reactivity of antibiotics , with publications in J Allergy Clin Immunol , Stroke , and BMJ Open . Recent studies explore aquagenic skin disorders, sleep apnea in nocturnal angioedema, and post-surgical complication risk stratification. Key themes in his 29 research outputs include: Allergy & Immunology : Beta-lactam cross-reactivity, chronic urticaria Medical Informatics : Prediction models for pancreatic fistulas, delirium Clinical Innovation : Digital health solutions, AI implementation
Dr. Michiel Coesmans is a Researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, focusing on neuropsychiatric aspects of dementia and acute brain disorders. His research spans Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, delirium, and genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, with emphasis on C9orf72 mutations, caregiver burden, and assessment tools for behavioral symptoms. Key interests include disinhibition, eye movement abnormalities, and neurosurgical complications in dementia populations. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward clinical translation: validation of diagnostic tools (e.g., DeltaScan for delirium), randomized trials of non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., music therapy in neurosurgery), and systematic reviews on dementia in genetic syndromes. His work bridges geriatric psychiatry, neurology, and critical care, targeting improved management of neuropsychiatric symptoms across disease stages.
Dr. Gea Holtman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine at the University of Groningen. Her work focuses on improving diagnostic accuracy in primary care, particularly for gastrointestinal conditions in children. She leads research on functional gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome), inflammatory bowel disease, and acute abdominal emergencies like appendicitis. Her studies often involve clinical prediction tools, diagnostic test validation, and healthcare system optimization. Key affiliations include the University of Groningen Medical Center (UMCG) and collaborations with institutions like the Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy Group. She has pioneered trials on home-based hypnotherapy for pediatric functional abdominal pain and fecal calprotectin-guided referral strategies to reduce unnecessary hospital referrals. Research interests span epidemiology, primary care practices, and pediatric chronic disease management. Notable projects include systematic reviews on diagnostic test accuracy across healthcare settings and cost-effectiveness analyses of physiotherapy for functional constipation. She also investigates parental and provider perspectives on diagnostic testing and symptom management. Her recent publications address trends in CRP testing, barriers to home management of gastroenteritis, and the role of advanced imaging in oncology. She serves as an Associate Editor for Diagnostic and Prognostic Research and actively contributes to guideline development for pediatric gastrointestinal care.
