Ignite: How to stay focused and resilient in academic life - A presentation by Prof. Neeltje van Horen

Academic life is full of challenges and possibilities. You get to ask big questions, dive deep into ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s known. But that same environment — with its high expectations and constant deadlines— can leave you stretched thin, stuck in your head, and unsure if you’re doing enough.

Neeltje van Horen knows that tension well. As a professor of economics and senior advisor at the Bank of England, she spent years in high-performance settings — while quietly battling stress and self-doubt. Eventually, she began exploring a different way of working: one grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and small mental shifts that helped her feel clearer, calmer, and more in control.

In this talk, based on her book Ignite, Neeltje shares practical, science-based tools to protect your focus, calm your mind, and stay steady under pressure. Blending research with personal experience, she offers a more sustainable path for researchers who want to excel – without burning out.

Afterwards, we invite you to an informal gathering over an apéro.