Centres of expertise

Within the theme of ‘Health and well-being in a healthy society’, we collaborate with a number of centres of expertise.

Center for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (IPS)

The Center for Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (IPS) in Leiden is a leading centre of expertise where science and healthcare converge. We conduct research into placebo and nocebo effects and translate these findings into practical tools for healthcare professionals and patients. Using a unique interdisciplinary approach, we investigate how expectations, communication and context influence patients’ health — from pain perception to immune responses. We then actively translate this knowledge into practice: through evidence-based training for healthcare professionals, clinical applications for patients and treatments, and participation in international collaborations. Because the power of the placebo is a tool that can be seriously utilised to improve patient care.

Knowledge Centre Anxiety and Stress in Youth (KAS)

The Knowledge Centre Anxiety and Stress in Youth (KAS) provides children, young people, parents/carers and professionals in education, healthcare and youth support with reliable and scientifically based information on anxiety and stress. The centre’s aim is to encourage people to talk about stress and anxiety symptoms among young people, to recognise them at an early stage and, where possible, to prevent or reduce them. KAS bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and practice by making up-to-date insights accessible to a wide audience, encouraging research and promoting collaboration between researchers, education professionals, youth workers and others involved in young people’s development. KAS is based at Leiden University and can be reached for advice every working day at 071 – 527 5464. 

Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC)

Within the Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), affiliated with Leiden University, care, education and scientific research are closely intertwined. LUBEC provides highly specialised mental health care to children, young people and adults, with a focus on quality, innovation and social value. Thanks to its direct links with the university, new scientific insights are translated into clinical practice, and questions arising from clinical practice guide new research. LUBEC works closely with regional and national healthcare and knowledge partners and actively contributes to the development and distribution of scientific knowledge within mental healthcare.