Knowledge Café: From expectation to change – Building on the pioneering work of Andrea Evers
- Date
- Tuesday 29 September 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Agora
Wassenaarseweg 52
2333 AK Leiden
Our expectations determine much more than we often realize. A kiss from a parent on a sore knee can immediately relieve the pain, while a negative message about health on social media can actually increase complaints.
Expectations affect not only how we feel, but also how we act and what opportunities we get. They can perpetuate inequality, but they can also be a powerful driver for positive change.
During this Knowledge Café by Leiden Healthy Society Center, we explore the power of expectations. Drawing on the insights and legacy of Professor Andrea Evers, who passed away last year, we discuss the lessons she left us and the future of this fascinating field of research.
Programme
15.30 – Walk-in with tea/coffee
16.00 – Welcome by Bart Barendregt and Anke Klein (FSW), with a look at the lasting impact of Andrea Evers' legacy. Afterwards, we will present the inspiring projects that have been made possible thanks to the Andrea Evers Fund
4.30 pm – The group will be divided for several sub-sessions*
- Sub-session 1: Expectancy effects in medical settings by Antoinette van Laarhoven and Victor Leong (FSW) and Youri Berends (LUMC). How can you contribute to better treatment outcomes with small adjustments in your communication? In this interactive session, you will experience how you can strengthen positive expectation effects and prevent unintended negative effects on the basis of VR cases and exercises.
- Sub-session 2: Expectations and (in)equality by Henriët van Middendorp (FSW), Kirsten Zitman, Evelyn Duinker, Marlies Tiepel and Sandra Smeding (BuZz). We see every day how powerful expectations can be as a driver for positive change. Using case studies, we analyse how expectations help people perform better, make healthier choices and benefit more from treatment.
- Sub-session 3: Healthy scrolling on social media, beyond expectations by Aleksandrina Skvortsova (FSW) and Nicolet Jansen (municipality of Leiden). When we hang out on the couch in the evening, we like to snack and scroll. But what does social media serve us when it comes to health? (Mis)information influences our expectations about health effects. And that does not only have a positive effect, as research shows. How do we go on a diet?
17.30 – Networking drinks
*In the registration form you can indicate your preference for a sub-session