Odilia Laceulle appointed professor

Odilia Laceulle has been appointed professor of Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychosocial and Parenting Problems with effect from 15 June 2026. In her role, Laceulle will focus on young people with complex developmental problems. “I am trying to better understand how these problems develop. The interaction between young people, families, peers and other key environments plays a major role in this.”

According to Laceulle, there is a growing awareness in society that mental health issues among young people cannot be viewed in isolation from the context in which they grow up. Laceulle: “I believe that Clinical Child and Family Studies – and my chair in particular – can make an important contribution precisely in this regard: by paying attention to the interaction between young people and their environment. In this way, I hope to contribute to knowledge that helps young people, families and professionals to deal with these challenges.”

More than 20 years

Laceulle has been affiliated with Utrecht University for more than twenty years. “I have also worked elsewhere during that time, but through research, teaching and collaborations I have always remained connected to Utrecht.” Since 2017, Laceulle has been working full-time again at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. “As a result, this appointment feels not only like a new step, but also like a continuation of a long-standing connection with the university.”

Odilia Laceulle is looking forward to combining research, teaching and collaboration with the professional world.

More scope

In her new role, the professor expects her remit to broaden and focus more on connecting people, ideas and initiatives. “Research remains a key part of my work, but I will also have more scope to further develop existing collaborations within and outside the university, create new opportunities and invest in the development of colleagues, PhD candidates and students.”

It is precisely this combination

In the coming period, Laceulle will be working with her colleagues to shape the chair, as well as the future of Clinical Child and Family Studies. She is looking forward to the combination of activities: the blend of research, teaching and collaboration with the professional field. “I am also looking forward to forging new connections, further developing existing partnerships and guiding young researchers in their development.”