In dealing with social problems, you need to start with the children

Dynamics of Youth invests in our future. Inspired by societal issues, researchers from different disciplines integrate their expertise to answer crucial questions for future generations. How does the interplay between biology and environment determine how children learn to function in society?

Read more about the research theme: What is Dynamics of Youth?

  • Young people from Utrecht and Kampala on fake news

    What challenges relating to fake news do young people around the world recognise, and which are specifically linked to the country in which they live? Students and staff from Utrecht University worked with colleagues in Uganda to find answers.

    Fake news: local or global?
  • Increasing equal opportunities through early years education

    Children with a disability or chronic illness often find it harder to take part in both physical and social activities outdoors. On 30 September, we’ll be discussing inclusive playgrounds. Everyone is welcome!

    Join the dialogue
  • 'Involve young people in finding poverty solutions'

    Around twelve percent of young people in Utrecht live in poverty. This increases their risk of mental health problems. Involve young people in finding solutions, advocate Gonneke Stevens and Nienke Kuyvenhoven.

    Read the Dies speech of Stevens and Kuyvenhoven

Our research communities

  • News

    • Children as guides in the conversation about loneliness

      News
      How can you tackle loneliness in the classroom? And how do children themselves like to talk about this? Researchers at Utrecht University, in collaboration with the Royal Dutch Children’s Stamps Foundation, set out to find the answers.

    • More reading (aloud), fewer tablets

      News
      Reading a story every evening, banning the tablet, or, above all, talking to your child a lot? Caroline Junge is investigating how the environment and genes of very young children influence language development.

    • How do you discuss sensitive topics in the classroom?

      News
      From the manosphere to hate comments on TikTok: sensitive topics crop up in lessons, in the playground and in the corridors of secondary schools. But how do you, as a teacher, deal with them effectively?

    • How do young people themselves feel about taking mental health medication?

      News
      Taking mental health medication has quite a significant impact on a child’s life. But how do children and young people actually experience this themselves?
    RSS More news

  • Events

    • 18 - 21 Aug

      Scientists delve into adolescence

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      Researchers from all over Europe with an interest in and expertise on adolescence can still join the EARA2026 conference in Utrecht. From 18 to 21 August
    • 25 Sep -
      4 Oct

      Utrecht Science Week

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      Lectures, workshops, tours and interviews of Science on Utrecht Science Park
    • 28 Sep

      Utrecht Brain Expert Meeting: Growing into Adulthood - Rethinking Transitions

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      The transition from childhood to adulthood is a critical window for the developing brain. What happens in the brain and beyond as young people grow into adulthood?
    • 30 Sep

      A dialogue on inclusive sport and play

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      Children with a (chronic) disability face barriers to playing with their peers, attending (mainstream) school, or taking part in sport or other leisure activities. An inclusive society starts in childhood, but how do you achieve that?
    RSS More events