IMPACT – The Netherlands Brain Initiative

IMPACT-Hoofdzaken is a national consortium of ten research groups and twelve partner organizations working on an inclusive society for people with mental and/or neurological conditions. Through practice-based research, innovation and education, we strengthen participation, equal opportunities and quality of life. People with lived experience play a central role throughout the project. Within this research, the groups Rehabilitation and Technology and Relational Care contribute on behalf of The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Background

One in four people in the Netherlands lives with a mental or neurological condition. Participation in work, education or community life is not always self-evident. IMPACT-Hoofdzaken builds on strong regional collaborations and the Lectorenplatform Leven met Hoofdzaken, bringing together knowledge and networks to create national impact. The project supports the ambitions of the National Plan Hoofdzaken and the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda for Health & Care.

"It is time for people with mental and neurological conditions to truly have an equal voice. With this project, we ignite a sustainable movement toward more understanding, inclusion and participation. The Research Group on Rehabilitation and Technology reinforces this mission by using technology and innovation to improve participation and create equal opportunities. In doing so, we align with The Hague University of Applied Sciences’ core theme of Justice: building a society in which everyone can participate and has equal access to opportunities."

- Dr. Jorit Meesters

Goal

To strengthen inclusion and participation of people with mental and neurological conditions across society.

Method

We use a co-creative and participatory approach involving people with lived experience, professionals, educators, researchers and students. Methods include participatory action research, design-based research and interprofessional collaboration. The activities are structured in five work packages: profiling, professionalisation, network, quality and impact.

Results

The project will deliver a sustainable research infrastructure, new educational materials, a national Learning and Interprofessional Network (LIN), quality frameworks for inclusive research, and practical tools, training, communication products and policy recommendations. Joint research proposals and collaborative projects will be developed.

Impact

IMPACT-Hoofdzaken enhances the societal position of people with mental or neurological challenges by putting their knowledge at the centre. Results will influence education, research, healthcare, social services, business and public policy. Over time, a nationally recognised expert network will emerge that advances knowledge, dialogue and societal change around inclusion.

Duration

This project runs from September 1st 2025 until September 1st 2033.

Funding

SPRONG-programma, Regieorgaan SIA.

Collaboration

Ten research groups, 12 consortium partners and numerous regional and national networks including Movisie, ECIO, MIND, Hersenletsel.nl, Hersenz, KN-CVA, universities and private-sector partners.

Research groups [In Dutch]:

Hogeschool Windesheim

• Lectureship Client Perspective in Support and Care
• Lectoraat GGZ en Samenleving

Hogeschool Arnhem en Nijmegen (HAN)

• Professorship Neurorehabilitation – Self-direction and Participation

Hanzehogeschool Groningen

• Lectureship Rehabilitation 

Hogeschool Utrecht

• Professorship in Participation, Care and Support

Hogeschool van Amsterdam

• Professorship Occupational Therapy - Participation and Environment

De Haagse Hogeschool

• Research Group Rehabilitation and Technology
• Research Group Relational Care

Hogeschool Rotterdam

• Professorship in Forensic Care Craftsmanship
• Professorship in Dementia, Mental Health and Behavior

Team

Research Group Rehabilitation and Technology & Relational Care: Dr. Yvonne van Zaalen, Dr. Debbie ten Cate, Drs. Sjoerd Dreteler, Dr. Jorit Meesters.

Contact

Would you like to know more about the IMPACT-Hoofdzaken research? Please contact Dr. Jorit Meesters, [email protected].