Editorial board 2025-2026

Im Korving | Editor-in-Chief

“I am currently doing my internship at the Department of Social Sciences, where I study the neural dynamics of social interaction during dyadic games. I joined the board of the Journal of Neuroscience and Cognition because I am passionate about making scientific knowledge accessible to a broad audience. This goal is especially relevant within our interdisciplinary master’s program, where students come from diverse academic backgrounds. I see the journal as a space where these different perspectives can meet and enrich one another. My main research interest lies in second-person neuroscience, which focuses on understanding neural processes during real-time social interaction. In particular, I am interested in neural synchrony as a way of studying how brains align during social exchange. As Editor-in-Chief, I look forward to coordinating our collective efforts and ensuring that each issue comes together as a high-quality, carefully crafted final product that we can all be proud of. ”

Roos van den Boomen | Editor

“I am currently doing my major internship at the neonatology department of the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, where I investigate brain development in extremely premature infants using 7T MRI. Alongside my research, I value staying connected to the broader neuroscience community. Joining the board of the Journal of Neuroscience and Cognition offers a great opportunity to collaborate with fellow master’s students, especially during a period when many of us are dispersed across different internships. I look forward to sharing inspiring ideas, insights, and stories through the journal, while contributing to a platform that reflects the diversity of interests within our field. With a background in psychobiology, my interests span a wide range of topics, including brain development, perception, and neurotransmitter systems. I am particularly excited to work together as a board to create something meaningful and to build a journal that represents us as young neuroscience researchers. ”

Anna Alikhanbeigi | Secretary & Finance

“I am currently conducting research at the Department of Translational Neuroscience at UMC Utrecht, where I study the development and interaction between oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and the vascular system during early embryonic stages. Alongside my research, I enjoy engaging with neuroscience beyond the laboratory. Joining the board of the Journal of Neuroscience allows me to combine my scientific background with organizational and collaborative skills, while gaining exposure to a broad range of research fields within neuroscience. I value interdisciplinary collaboration and see the journal as a platform where diverse perspectives come together. I am particularly looking forward to working with a motivated and creative team to translate complex neuroscience topics into engaging and accessible content. Through this, I hope our journal will inform and inspire students and researchers in the field. ”

Esmée Vermunt | PR manager

“I am currently completing my major internship at the Department of Experimental Psychology, where I investigate the relationship between inhibitory control, approach–avoidance motivation, and psychopathy. After previously serving on a committee, I discovered how much I enjoy contributing to collaborative initiatives alongside my studies. Joining the board of the Journal of Neuroscience and Cognition is a great opportunity to stay actively involved in the master’s community while supporting a scientific platform. Although my earlier interests focused on neurodegenerative diseases, my attention has shifted toward social and affective neuroscience during the master’s program. As PR manager, I am particularly looking forward to organizing the first release event and using creative approaches to promote the journal, making the fascinating research within our field accessible and engaging for all students. ”

Tess Mueller | Editor

“This year, I’ll be an editor on the Journal of Neuroscience & Cognition. Currently, I am an intern at the Department of Neurology at UMC Utrecht, where I investigate the relationship between blood cell markers and clinical outcomes in patients with cerebral small vessel disease. This project sits right at the intersection of clinical neurology, vascular biology, and cognitive decline. This overlap strongly reflects my broader interests within neuroscience. I applied to the Journal of Neuroscience and Cognition because I wanted to gain hands-on experience with scientific communication from the editorial side. Throughout my studies, I have been involved in several committees and task forces, but I had not yet worked on a journal or magazine. N&C felt like the ideal environment to learn how scientific ideas are translated into accessible, well-structured stories, while collaborating with fellow neuroscience students. I am particularly interested in how basic molecular and cellular processes can shape cognition and behavior. In particular, I am interested in how subtle changes can have long-term effects on brain function and cognitive health. When making the magazine, I am most looking forward to working together as a team, curating diverse topics, and helping shape complex research into engaging content that resonates with a broad neuroscience-interested audience. ”

Nina Verdonk | Designer

“I am currently conducting research in the Department of Translational Neuroscience, where I study how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can contribute to damage control following ischemic stroke. I joined the board because I care deeply about science communication and inclusive design, and I want to contribute to a publishing culture that is more diverse and accessible. To me, working on this journal is a fun and meaningful way to combine these values. My interests within neuroscience are broad and often shift to each project I am working on. Even so, I am especially drawn to unconventional and creative research, such as the work highlighted by the Ig Nobel prizes and enduring mysteries like the Golgi staining technique. I am looking forward to creating something tangible and useful together and to helping make the journal inviting and accessible to read. ”

Selma Weerdenburg | Designer

“I am currently doing my internship in the Department of Translational Neuroscience, where I investigate a midbrain-derived interneuron population in the thalamus using both cell culture and data science approaches. Science communication is an important passion of mine, and joining the journal board allows me to combine this interest with my enthusiasm for visual design. I enjoy bringing science and art together, translating complex concepts into clear and engaging visual forms. As part of the design team, I am excited to shape the visual identity of the journal and contribute to making its content accessible and appealing. My primary interest within neuroscience is neurodevelopment, particularly the cellular mechanisms that shape the developing brain and give rise to complex neural circuits. I look forward to seeing each issue come together step by step and to learning from the creativity and expertise of the other board members. ”