Hanna Swaab studied clinical child psychology and neuropsychology at the VU University Amsterdam. In 1985 she was appointed a University Lecturer at Utrecht University, and the UMCU’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Rudolf Magnus Brain Center. In 1997 she became a Senior Lecturer, Professional Practice Lecturer, and Head of the Sections of Psychodiagnostics, Family Therapy, and Individual Psychotherapy with the UMCU’s Brain Division. 

In 2004 Hanna Swaab was appointed Professor of Neurocognitive Development and Developmental Disorders  at Leiden University, took up the position of Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences between 2013 and 2018.

Currently, she is the Director of Leiden University’s Ambulatorium and a Senior Professional Practice Lecturer for the national professional practice training for clinical psychologists (child and adolescent psychology) and clinical neuropsychologists. In accordance with the Individual Health Care Professions Act, she is a registered clinical psychologist (child and adolescent psychology), clinical neuropsychologist, and psychotherapist, specialized in behavioural therapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy. 

Hanna Swaab combines administration, management, teaching, training, and clinical practice with conducting scientific research. Currently, she is Professor of Neurocognitive Development and Developmental Disorders at Leiden University, and Dean of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.

Research

Hanna Swaab’s research focuses on the neurocognitive and biological factors underlying emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents with developmental disorders, and on how these factors are affected by treatments.

Registrations

• Clinical psychologist BIG
• Clinical neuropsychologist BIG
• Psychotherapist BIG
• GZ psychologist BIG
• Member International Neuropsychological Society, 1988
• Member ISED, 2004
• Member Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, 2009     

Relevant links

• LUBEC (Dutch)
• Neurocognitive development
• LinkedIn
• TalentenKracht
• Dossier Hanna Swaab

Awards

• Betto Deelman Award 2013
• Best textbook Prize (2010 - 2012), Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University

Grants

Several research grants amounting to € 3.025.000.

See Dutch profile Hanna Swaab

Publications

Activities