Bring researchers together

The aim of this annual, departmental event is to bring researchers of our different programme groups together to share their research with each other, explore synergies, and lay the groundwork for future, innovative projects.

After a warm welcome by our research director, Frenk van Harreveld, researchers took part in two rounds of parallel thematic sessions. In each session, a pressing societal challenge was approached from different angles by speakers from the different program groups. The first round touched on what psychology has to offer in addressing the climate crisis, leveraging habitual and goal-directed processes for mental health and well-being, and understanding creativity, proactivity, and fluid intelligence in the age of AI. In the second round, we turned to the topics of diversity in the workplace and mental health, resilience in youth, and polarization as a psychological system.

Research proposals

These sessions at the Connecting Minds event highlighted the breadth and societal impact of our research, and generated lively and inspiring discussions.

The day concluded with brainstorm sessions, where interdisciplinary teams worked together on research ideas for new joint projects. These short, cross-programme group research proposals can be submitted before 3 July, to receive €1,000 per team for Prolific research.

Looking ahead: Focus on collaborations with external partners

Building on the success of this year’s event, we are already looking forward to next year’s edition. In 2027, we will organize a Connecting Minds in Psychology & Society event, that will focus on strengthening collaborations with external partners. We aim to bring together our researchers with stakeholders such as schools, clinics, companies, NGOs, and policymakers to jointly shape research questions and co-create solutions to real-world challenges. To help shape this event, we will make use of the valuable survey input provided by the participants of this year’s event.

We would like to thank all speakers and participants for their contributions to this year’s event, as well as the Research Master students who helped on the day.

Finally, we warmly invite everyone – from PhD’s to Professors - to join us again next year to connect minds within psychology and beyond.

The Scientific Advisory Board and PsAiKo