Yara Toenders, a researcher at Clinical Psycholgy at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences and affiliated with the Erasmus SYNC lab, is one of twelve researchers to receive the Early Career Award from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). This award recognises Toenders' innovative and impactful research and promotes the development of her academic career.
The KNAW Early Career Award is presented to promising young researchers for their scientific talent. This talent is evident not only in their innovative and original research but also in how they fulfil their roles as inspiring scientists, mentors, and educators.
Mental health of youth
Neurobiologist Yara Toenders researches the mental health of young people. She studies how factors such as sleep (deprivation), social media, music, and role models influence their mood. During the COVID pandemic, Toenders showed that some young people were more resilient than others, being less affected by the stressful period. She also revealed that young people who felt less rested after sleeping were less comfortable in their own skin. At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of positive influences, such as inspiring role models and experiencing rewards—especially at a time when the pressure to perform is increasing.
Research wíth young people
What makes her research unique is the interdisciplinary approach. Toenders connects fundamental neuroscientific insights with the world of young people and with policy issues at the national level. She views young people not just as subjects of research but involves them as full partners in the research process. Additionally, she serves as a bridge in societal programmes where young people, science, and policy converge. In this way, her research achieves broad and meaningful impact.
Toenders responds to the award:
"I am honoured that my work is being recognised in this way, and it motivates me to continue building on this research together with young people. By connecting science with their experiences and working together in close-knit, transdisciplinary teams, we can make a difference in understanding and strengthening the mental well-being of young people."
The KNAW Early Career Award consists of a monetary prize of 15,000 euros and an artwork by Laura Klinkenberg. The researchers may use this for their own research.
- Researcher
- More information
The award ceremony will take place this year on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, at the Trippenhuis in Amsterdam. For more information and registration, click here.
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