Are you interested in researching neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum, ADHD, dyslexia, or developmental language disorders? Or do you want to challenge existing diagnostic categories and take a different approach to studying neurodiversity? Do you want to discuss your ideas with like-minded colleagues from different disciplines and find research collaborators?

If the answer is yes, then join DiverseMinds, a special interest group that facilitates research collaboration and dissemination of knowledge about neurodiversity.

DoY Meet-Up on Neurodiversity

On April 8th (15:30-17:30), DiverseMinds, in collaboration with Thriving & Healthy Youth, will host the Tuesday Meet-Up!

The first part of this DoY Meet-Up will feature several researchers from various faculties, whose research all has a connection to neurodiversity. Five short presentations will be followed by a roundtable discussion. During the subsequent networking drinks, there will be plenty of room to get to know the diversity of research(ers) within Dynamics of Youth or even join a neurodiversity research network.

Would you like a chance to win €5000 in research funding? During the meetup, there will be an opportunity to brainstorm together on an interdisciplinary research proposal related to neurodiversity. Meet new people, explore collaborations, and develop an idea! After the meetup, you will have three weeks to refine and submit your proposal. The winners will be selected through a lottery.

We especially invite PhD candidates and postdocs to connect with like-minded peers or senior researchers.

Interested? Sign up here!

What do we do?

During the monthly meetings, we discuss our research projects and ideas, talk about new scientific books and papers, and invite guests to inspire our research. We keep the meetings small and informal, so that everyone can contribute! Once or twice a year, we also aim to organize larger dissemination events, starting with the Dynamics of Youth Meet-Up on April 8th (see above).

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes and respects the natural variations in human brain function and behavior. It emphasizes that differences, including those related to conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, are natural human variations rather than deficits or disorders. This perspective promotes the idea that these differences should be valued and accommodated, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Who can join?

We are open to all researchers, teachers, and PhD students at UU and UMCU who are interested in neurodiversity. We encourage academics from all the disciplines to contribute to our diverse group! By working together and combining our perspectives, we get a complete and nuanced picture of neurodiversity.

If you work at another research institution, healthcare, or social organization and are looking for research collaborators, feel free to contact us!

Contact us

The initiators of DiverseMinds are Mateusz Platos, Marieke de Vries, and Anne Smit-van Beveren.

Contact any of us to join our network, learn more about our group, or discuss your research and dissemination ideas!