Symposium The Power of Play

On Wednesday 11 June 2025, the International Day of Play, we (Utrecht University, Dynamics of Youth – Thriving & Healthy Youth, Heidi Lesscher, Marijke Achterberg) are hosting the symposium ‘The Power of Play’ at Kanaal 30 in Utrecht.

The symposium starts with a keynote lecture by Prof Dr Sergio Pellis (Lethbridge University, Canada) on the neurobiology and evolution of play. Subsequently we have an excellent line-up of speakers, Sander Bakkes, Inonge Reimert, Kirsten Visser and Manon Bloemen, who will discuss play from different perspectives. 

• What is play?
• What is the importance of play for brain and behaviour?
• What are applied games and why do they work so well?
• What is the importance of play for animal and human well-being?
• Why do children need and want risky play?
• How can we ensure that all children can play together, irrespective of (dis)abilities?

Please join us, you can register by clicking here.

The symposium will be in English.