Rachel Plak
Assistant professor
- Name
- Dr. R.D. Plak
- Telephone
- 071 5272727
- r.d.plak@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
- ORCID iD
- 0000-0002-2706-7040
Rachel Plak is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Education and Child Studies at Leiden University. She is Chair of the Special Education programme group. Her research focuses on children and young people with autism, with particular attention to their educational environments and the broader societal context. In addition, she is one of the principal investigators of the Expeditie Binnenwereld research programme and is actively involved in science communication in her work.
More information about Rachel Plak
News
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Video: Everyone’s a little bit autistic... aren’t they? -
From Lowlands Science to Weekend of Science: why take part -
Summer School Science Communication: ‘You make an impact together with your audience’ -
Looking back on the Research Day 2025: It Takes a Village – Shaping Interdisciplinary Futures -
Young Academy Leiden: ‘helping young researchers focus in a fast moving academic world’ -
With this new assignment, students are even better prepared to support people with autism -
‘Young Academy Leiden wants to stand up for young researchers, especially in difficult times’ -
This board game helps navigate the dilemmas of academic life -
‘Media appearances are less scary than you might think’: Researchers share their top tips -
New YAL board: ‘Make sure young academics’ voices are heard’ -
‘All the members of the Young Academy Leiden have a strong sense of responsibility'
More about Rachel
In her autism research, Rachel examines, for example, how young people with autism develop their social identity and how this relates to their wellbeing. She works closely with the Dutch Autism Register (NAR) and the Leo Kanner Education Group
In addition, she is one of the principal investigators of the science communication research programme Expeditie Binnenwereld. Within this programme, young people learn about the science behind their cognitive and social-emotional development, helping them to reflect on themselves and their experiences.
Rachel collaborates with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and societal partners. Together with young people, they develop innovative forms of science communication, such as podcasts, educational programmes, and games.
The importance of science communication
Rachel’s research is characterised by participation and co-creation. She actively involves young people, professionals, and other stakeholders in her research, ensuring their perspectives are structurally incorporated.
Science communication is a common thread throughout her work. She develops innovative ways of bringing research back to society while actively engaging the public in the creation of knowledge. Driven by her commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible and understandable to a wide audience, Rachel regularly appears in the media.
Rachel is a member of the Faculty Network on Education and Innovation and of FSW Academia in Motion (Recognition and Rewards). She also serves as an ambassador for social safety.
More about Rachel
Assistant professor
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- Education and Child Studies
- Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences