Proceeds from Ameland children’s book support new research into the microbiota–gut–brain axis
Gut–brain axis
Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology Laura Steenbergen has received a donation from the Klei & Zand Foundation to conduct research into the microbiota–gut–brain axis: how the functioning of the gut microbiome relates to emotional well-being. Unlike traditional grant-funded projects, such a personal donation offers considerable freedom to think beyond established frameworks. What possibilities does this open up?
An email from an unfamiliar address. 'I’m trying to call you, but your phone number can’t be reached. Could you call me back?' Laura Steenbergen is not particularly surprised – people often try to contact her with questions about the gut–brain axis, in other words: how the brain and the gut influence each other. But when she returns the call, she finds Gert-Jan Verbeek on the line, one of the founders of the Klei & Zand Foundation. 'Years ago I heard you talk about your research on Radio 1,' he tells Steenbergen. 'It has stayed with me ever since. We would like to donate money from our foundation to support your research – would that be possible?'
Lot and Bas Go to Ameland
The interest in Steenbergen’s work did not appear out of nowhere. Lot and Bas Go to Ameland is a picture book based on an idea by Nel Verbeek. Nel worked as an educationalist with young people experiencing behavioural problems and had a strong interest in how nutrition affects mental well-being. After she passed away, her family further developed one of her ideas into a picture book: a children’s story in which two children embark on all sorts of adventures on Ameland, referring to Nel’s own childhood. The proceeds from the 2019 publication of Lot and Bas Go to Ameland go to the Klei & Zand Foundation, which supports the mental health of young people. Steenbergen’s research aligns closely with this mission.
Philosophers
The unrestricted nature of the donation takes some getting used to for Steenbergen. 'I realise how difficult it is to think outside the box when you’ve been trained in a system where grant applications always have to meet all kinds of conditions.' She is therefore taking ample time to develop a research design. 'I want to do something meaningful with this, and I’ve been speaking extensively with people from other disciplines. Not only (micro)biologists and gastroenterologists, which would be the obvious choice for my work, but also, for example, with philosophers.' It is an adjustment to have complete freedom, but above all, refreshing. 'Now I can conduct research purely out of curiosity. What an honour and a luxury.'