Matthijs Bossong is a neuroscientist and registered pharmacologist, currently affiliated with the Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit at Leiden University. He obtained his PhD from Utrecht University in 2012, where he investigated the acute effects of cannabis on the human brain using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Bossong has held research positions at UMC Utrecht, King’s College London, Trimbos Institute and Leiden University. His work has been supported by several prestigious grants, including the NWO Rubicon and VENI fellowships.

Research

Matthijs Bossong’s research lies at the intersection of neuropsychopharmacology, brain function, and psychiatry, with a particular focus on psychosis and the endocannabinoid system. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and PET, he investigates the effects of pharmacological interventions on brain function in both experimental and clinical settings. He has led multiple national and international projects, exploring neurobiological mechanisms underlying the onset of psychosis, treatments for individuals at clinical high risk (including cannabidiol and omega-3 fatty acids), and the modulation of placebo and nocebo effects in sensory perception. His work integrates psychopharmacology, translational psychiatry and cognitive neuroscience.

Teaching

Matthijs is primarily responsible for supervising MSc Psychology theses and research projects within the International BSc Psychology program.

Fellowships & Grants

• Rudolf Magnus Young Talent Fellowship, €200,000
• NWO VENI fellowship €250,000
• King’s Health Partner’s Research and Development Challenge Fund, Research Project, £99,221
• NWO Rubicon Fellowship €144,937

Relevant links

• www.matthijsbossong.com
• Pubmed
• LinkedIn

Publications