News
Linda de Voogd awarded NWO Open Competition SSH XS grant for study on psychological manipulation and mental health
Dr Linda de Voogd, Assistant Professor at Leiden University, has been awarded an NWO Open Competition SSH XS grant for her research on psychological manipulation and influence, and their impact on mental wellbeing. De Voogd works at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW) within the framework of the SSH Sector Plan, under the theme Mental Health.
Her research combines insights from psychology and behavioural science to better understand why some individuals are more vulnerable to manipulative interactions and which strategies may help reduce negative effects on wellbeing. The project also contributes to her broader research line on trauma and improving trauma treatment by examining how experiences of psychological violence can function as a valid source of traumatic stress.
The project builds on earlier studies, including research conducted during the Lowlands festival last year, and continues with a newly designed immersive Haunted House experimental setting. This controlled environment allows researchers to study responses to social pressure and influence in situations that resemble real-life experiences, while collecting behavioural, emotional, and physiological data in real time. By examining how people respond to psychological pressure and which strategies help individuals recognise, resist, or cope with such experiences, the project aims to generate new insights into vulnerability and resilience in everyday contexts. The research highlights how work within the SSH Sector Plan theme Mental Health contributes to understanding mental health challenges and improving knowledge relevant to trauma and resilience.
- More information about Linda de Voogd’s research can be found on her staff page: Linda de Voogd - Leiden University.
SSH–Mental Health–NL: National LinkedIn platform for mental health research collaboration
Researchers working within the SSH Sector Plan theme Mental Health may be interested in the national LinkedIn platform SSH–Mental Health–NL, which connects researchers from Dutch universities working on mental health within the social and behavioural sciences. The platform aims to strengthen collaboration, visibility, and societal impact of SSH research by bringing together researchers across disciplines and institutions.
The platform aligns closely with the SSH Sector Plan theme Mental Health, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building to address urgent societal challenges.
National Mid-term Evaluation of the SSH Sector Plans: Looking Ahead to the Next Phase
In spring 2026, the SSH Sector Plans will undergo a national mid-term evaluation, marking an important learning moment for the programme across Dutch universities. This evaluation provides an opportunity to reflect on the SSH Sector Plans as a whole, including Leiden University’s contribution within the national programme.
The legal basis for the national mid-term evaluation is laid down in the Regulation on Sector Plans for Higher Education and Research (article 10), which requires the evaluation to be completed before April 1, 2026, with advice to the minister by June 1, 2026.
Workshop: Market Innovation and Sustainability Transitions (27–29 May 2026)
Relevant for researchers working within the SSH Sector Plan theme Societal Transitions and Behaviour Change.
Food for Thought Lunch Meeting Explores SSH Sector Plan Theme Resilience in Youth
On 2 December 2025, the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW) hosted a new edition of Food for Thought.
Mini-Conference “Lezenswaardig”
On 21 November 2025, the mini-conference “Lezenswaardig – Current Perspectives on Reading in Education” took place in ’s-Hertogenbosch. Organized by the Open University and Tilburg University (TiCeLS), the event brought together university lecturers (UDs), researchers, teacher educators, and practitioners from across the Netherlands.
The conference, held in the context of the national SSH Sector Plans, focused on current themes in reading and education. Sessions explored topics such as reading motivation, citizenship, and the role of emerging and generative technologies in teaching and learning. Participants also had the opportunity to connect with UD peers from 13 universities and share research through a poster session.
Research Day 2025: It Takes a Village – Shaping Interdisciplinary Futures
On 19 November 2025, FSW and FGGA researchers came together for the joint Research Day. The event focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, a central ambition of the SSH Sector Plans.
FSW–FGGA Researchers Publish Joint Opinion on Protecting Youth Online
16 November 2025
Researchers from the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FSW) and the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA) have published a joint opinion piece in Trouw arguing that young people should be protected through safer social media, not through age-based bans. The article, titled “Bescherm jongeren met veiliger sociale media, niet met een verbod,” was written by Friso Selten (FGGA), Hsini Huang (FGGA) and Anne-Laura van Harmelen (FSW).
Their argument aligns with the SSH Sector Plan theme Resilience in Youth, which focuses on how young people navigate digital and social challenges. The publication also reflects the strong collaboration between FSW and FGGA researchers working at the intersection of youth, digitalisation, governance and wellbeing.
Read the full opinion piece (Dutch): Bescherm jongeren met veiliger sociale media, niet met een verbod (Trouw, 16 November 2025).
Funding for Law Sector Plan Becomes Structural
11 September 2025
The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) has decided to make the funding for Leiden Law School’s participation in the Law Sector Plan structural. Following a positive final evaluation of the plan (2018–2025), the faculty will now receive an annual contribution of €800,000 to support research and education.
Although separate from the SSH Sector Plans, this development highlights a shared national commitment to strengthening collaboration, interdisciplinary methods, and long-term capacity in the social sciences, humanities, and law.
Towards a stronger sector: Insights and ambitions from FGGA & FSW - Leiden University
10 juni 2025