Specialization
Gambling Disorder, Gambling Harm, Compulsive behaviour, Risk behaviour, Decision-Making, Confidence,
Focus of research
I am a cognitive neuroscientist dedicated to understanding and reducing the harms associated with compulsive disorders, particularly gambling disorder. My research focuses on the (neuro)cognitive mechanisms underlying compulsive behavior, with emphasis on decision-making, reward processing, and metacognition — especially decision confidence. I aim to translate neuroscience into real-world strategies for prevention, early detection, and accessible care.
I am one of the principal investigators in CODE (Confidence in Decision-Making), part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MCDN) funded by Horizon Europe. In this international consortium, we study how disrupted confidence contributes to compulsive behavior. I supervise PhD student Laura de Laere and collaborate with European partners on interdisciplinary, translational research.
I lead What Makes Them Tick?, a ZonMw-funded Dutch study that examines demographic, psychological, and cognitive risk factors for the development and escalation of gambling behavior in young adults. Through mixed-methods research, we aim to improve the identification of at-risk individuals and tailor more effective prevention strategies. I supervise postdoctoral researcher Anke Snoek and external PhD candidate Jeroen Hairwassers.
Another ZonMw-supported project I lead is GamblingLess, a national initiative targeting early intervention for gambling problems in 16–25-year-olds. We are adapting and evaluating a just-in-time mobile intervention app, and implementing preventive education in vocational and higher education. The Trimbos Institute is a key partner in the educational component, and the project builds on international collaboration with Prof. Dr. Nicki Dowling (Deakin University), whose previous work underpins the app’s original development.
I also lead a qualitative study commissioned by the WODC, the research institute of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, exploring the lived experiences of people with gambling problems to inform national policy.
Additionally, I contribute to Dutch projects on gambling harms and marketing exposure in vulnerable groups.
I am affiliated with Arkin | Shift Left, the Centre for Urban Mental Health, Amsterdam Neuroscience, the CIA group, and the Amsterdam Public Health Institute, where I serve on the Advisory Board. I also chair the Examination Committee of the Research Master in Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Amsterdam.
Beyond academia, I regularly contribute to knowledge exchange with societal stakeholders. I give lectures and scientific presentations for audiences such as scientific conferences, universities, and schools. But also for the Netherlands Gambling Authority (Kansspelautoriteit). I also appear in the media to provide expert commentary and insight into gambling behavior and its societal impact.
My broader research interests include digital mental health, neuroimaging, (youth) risk behavior, and the application of cognitive neuroscience in clinical, educational, and policy settings.