Janna Marie Bas-Hoogendam receives the J.J. Groen junior prize 2024
Within her research, Janna Marie Bas-Hoogendam covers multiple fields of study, like psychology and psychiatry. For this interdisciplinary work she will receive a major private science prize from the Foundation for Interdisciplinary Behavioural Research (SIGO). Why does the Leiden neuroscientist think interdisciplinary research is important and what does this prize mean to Bas-Hoogendam? Does she already have plans with the money?
What does this prize mean to you?
'I see this prize as a huge appreciation for the work I do together with my research team. From basic brain research to studies in which we are exploring the potential of fMRI neurofeedback for socially anxious adolescents. For such out-of-the-box research, it is super important and valuable to brainstorm, exchange knowledge and work on new projects with colleagues outside my own expertise. The J.J. Groen prize motivates me immensely to continue on this track.'
Why do you think interdisciplinary research is of value?
'For me, the value of interdisciplinary research lies in the different perspectives. Interdisciplinary team science gets you much further than trying to solve complex problems on your own. I love connecting people and learning from them.'
The prize comes with a cash amount of 30,000 euros. Do you already know for what research?
'I am currently setting up a new study on real-time neurofeedback. I recently created the innovative set-up for such research at the LIBC scanner at the LUMC, thanks to a talent grant from Medical Delta and a project grant from the National Science Agenda (NWA)/NeurolabNL. In a pilot study, I worked with master's and bachelor's students to figure out the basics of this technique. We are now looking into the results of this work. The next step is to see how we can use functional MRI to develop a training that will give socially anxious young people a better understanding of their own brain, especially the brain network for regulating emotions. Good chance I will put the prize money into this project!'
The SIGO awards are two major private scientific prizes for Dutch researchers, paid for from the proceeds of a gift from the estate of Professor J.J. Groen. He was one of the first doctors to conduct research beyond the boundaries of his field. J.J. Groen Foundation
J.J. Groenstichting (Dutch)