In memoriam: Andrea Evers (1967-2025)
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that our dear colleague Andrea Evers passed away on Monday, 4 August 2025. Since 2013, Andrea had been affiliated with the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Leiden University as Professor of Health Psychology. She was an undeniable driving force within the Institute of Psychology, the Faculty, the University, and far beyond.
Born in Arnsberg, Germany, Andrea studied psychology at the universities of Bielefeld and Amsterdam. In 2003, she obtained her PhD with honors (cum laude) at Radboud University Nijmegen, with a dissertation titled Predictors of disease outcome in rheumatoid arthritis. Her research helped lay the foundation for understanding how psychological and behavioral factors play a crucial role in the course and recovery of medical conditions.
In 2011, Andrea was appointed Professor of Health Psychology of Somatic Diseases at Radboud University. Two years later, she joined Leiden University as Professor of Health Psychology, where she led research, education, and collaborations with clinical practice. In 2019, she was appointed Medical Delta Professor, a joint appointment across Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. A fitting recognition of her ability to connect across disciplines and institutions.
Andrea was a pioneer in transdisciplinary research into the interplay between body and mind, with particular focus on placebo effects, psychoneurobiology, and person-centred care. She built bridges between science, healthcare, and policy: her work had direct practical impact and made complex psychological processes accessible to healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers alike.
For her groundbreaking research, Andrea received many prestigious grants and awards, including the NWO Stevin Prize in 2019, the highest Dutch recognition for scientific work with societal impact. She secured numerous major research grants (VENI, VIDI, VICI, ERC Consolidator Grant, ERC Advanced Grant) and was the driving force behind many innovative interventions and e-health applications. She was a lifelong member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities (KHMW), and she served as an advisor to, among others, the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR).
Alongside her academic achievements, Andrea worked for many years as a registered clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, treating patients with medical conditions using cognitive behavioral therapy. She also served as a registered supervisor for many young professionals, whom she guided with her warm and inspiring approach in their development as healthcare psychologists.
Andrea was also an exceptionally competent and highly respected leader. She led her own research group with passion and vision and served for eight years as Chair of the Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit. During a period of administrative restructuring within the Institute of Psychology, she stepped up as Scientific Director, offering calm, clarity, and direction. Her leadership style was both empathetic and strong, marked by strategic insight, a deep sense of responsibility, and a talent for uniting people. She motivated others and was attentive to both content and the people behind it.
Andrea was a warm and inspiring colleague, mentor, and leader. She combined intellectual brilliance with extraordinary closeness and care. Her commitment to her colleagues was profound, her belief in their potential was infectious and deeply motivating.
Andrea was a phenomenon. As a jack-of-all-trades, she fulfilled countless roles with boundless energy and tireless enthusiasm: scientist, administrator, advisor, mentor, speaker, and connector. What made her truly exceptional was her genuine positivity, which she held onto until her very last day. Andrea brought light, even in the most difficult circumstances. She was a role model and inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of working with her.
With her passing, we have lost a visionary thinker, a bridge-builder, and an extraordinary person. Her legacy, in knowledge, inspiration, and heartfelt commitment, lives on in our work, in the people she touched, and in the many paths she has paved for others.
Andrea leaves behind a profound void. Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and all who held her dear