Aknowledgment
In writing my doctoral dissertation, I found the acknowledgement section particularly rewarding. Research might often be a solitary journey, but its sharing brings deeper significance and impact. This inspires me to propose a concept of ongoing acknowledgements.
Through this continuous section, I aim to spotlight those who play a crucial role in my daily academic endeavors.
Acknowledgement Update – March 7, 2025
I have the impression that everything always moves too fast in science (and in life in general). Two recent moments that left a strong impression on me:
🤯 With my colleague Nino, we recently launched a two-week field experiment to test the effect of disabling personalization on TikTok on the mental health and polarization of 800 Europeans (and other variables—because like all researchers, we have too many hypotheses!). It’s the kind of research idea that’s born out of madness, on a Tuesday evening at 7pm over a casual chat. We discussed it for months before finalizing and taking the plunge. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this excited about a research project—even if the results turn out null, the excitement remains! And we already have plenty of new ideas brewing.
🌍 On another note, the festival Pint of Science 2025 is about to begin! This year, I’m helping organize the event in Utrecht, and the theme of the evening I’m curating is ‘Sustainability: A Balancing Act - Policy, People & Planet.’ It’s exciting to see talented researchers from diverse disciplines stepping forward to share their work. I love this event and can’t wait to be there—on May 19!
Acknowledgement Update – December 2, 2024
I’m writing these few words on my train to Utrecht, as to start my first day in my new postdoc, which will once again mix research and societal engagement. I’m really looking forward to embarking on this new position, and very happy to be integrated into the developmental psychology department. It will complement nicely my background in social psychology.
Still, I’m a bit heavy-hearted to say goodbye to my colleagues at Maastricht University. I had some crazy scientific ideas there, laughed a lot, learned a lot and discovered some amazing colleagues and people!
Acknowledgement Update – June 14, 2024
I’m writing these words in Nairobi, Kenya, while waiting for my flight home from the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science (SIPS) meeting.
This is the second year in a row that I’ve attended SIPS meetings, and I’m already a strong advocate. It’s a privilege to be surrounded by brilliant people who are passionate about science and committed to improving it. The missions of SIPS, the way this community tries to implement concrete actions, the absence of hierarchy, the inclusivity and the diversity are values that make one never feel out of place. This year, the emphasis was on being open to other cultures and not focusing on Western traditions. I’ve learned a lot. Thank you very much for that.
Give them your support: https://improvingpsych.org/
PS: Also, thanks to Neele Heiser for sharing this moment with me! What a blessing that our paths crossed.
Acknowledgement Update – April 29, 2024
Thanks to my colleagues at Maastricht University, from Studio Europa Maastricht to the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.
Special shoutouts to Nino and Julia for making every day a “Bananas Day”!