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My name is Annemiek Bielderman and I was born in Deventer in 1987. I am working as a senior researcher at the Department of Primary and Community care and the UKON (Universitair Kennisnetwerk Ouderenzorg Nijmegen). My research focuses on the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions for persons with dementia. Further, I work as a science practitioner in a nursing home to promote implementation of research into daily practice.
Where do you live?
I am living in Velp (Gelderland) together with Peter.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Can you tell us something about your child years?
I grew up in a village in the Achterhoek (eastern part of Gelderland) with a younger brother and sister. When I was a child, I wanted to become a teacher.
What was your previous academic training, where did you study and why did you choose that study/those studies?
I studied human movement sciences at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen; first the bachelor, followed by the research master. I was interested in how the human body functions, and wanted to learn about human anatomy, physiology and psychology.
Of which of your research discoveries, you are most proud of?
I am proud of research projects in which we were able to change daily practice to improve wellbeing of frail (older) adults.
What is your most important scientific challenge in the coming 5 years?
An important scientific challenge will be to adequately measure the effects of psychosocial interventions on wellbeing of persons living with dementia and their carers. Further, I think it will be a challenge to translate knowledge into implementation projects which really influence daily life or wellbeing of (older) adults living with dementia.
If you could choose any mentor, who would this be?
My current mentor: Debby Gerritsen. She is an expert in the field, a good listener and supports me to step out of my comfort zone to become a better researcher.
What is your favorite topic: molecules – patients – population?
In dementia research outside the hospital, we don’t use the term ‘patients’. Improving wellbeing of persons living with dementia in the community or in nursing homes is my favorite topic.
What should be changed / improved in the scientific community?
It would be great if more researchers also work as a science practitioner, to promote the implementation of research results in the community.
Is there anything we can wake you up for in the middle of the night?
For meeting friends and family that I haven’t seen for a while.
What is the thing that irritates you most?
I really don’t know.
Who would you like to have dinner with, if you had the chance?
With Sabine Meyer, a German solo clarinetist. I love her music, especially her recordings of music of Mozart.
How do you relax from the demanding job being a scientist?
By having chats and drinks with friends, being outside on a bike or a walk in the forest, and reading books (preferable romance novels).
Do you have a tip for our most junior scientists?
Try to collaborate with (senior) researchers with whom you feel comfortable.
Please add a photo which represents a remarkable event or experience you were part of? Please explain.
Last month, I was surprised by colleagues of the UKON with beautiful presents, as a start of my maternity leave.
