We are pleased to announce that Prof. Dr. Judi Mesman has been appointed as a member of our Supervisory Board.

Judi Mesman (1974) studied psychology and has been a Professor at Leiden University in the broad field of social justice since 2009. For her research into cultural norms in parenting, she and international colleagues analysed more than 10,000 hours of video from 25 countries around the world. She also conducted research into representation and stereotyping in schoolbooks, the role of parents in the development of prejudices, and the experiences of people of colour in leadership positions. 

In 2021, Mesman published ‘Opgroeien in Kleur’, a book for parents about anti-racist parenting. That same year, she received the Stevin Prize, the highest award for scientists who stand out for the social impact they achieve through their work. Mesman was Director of the Institute of Education and Child Studies (2012-2016) and Dean of Leiden University College (2016-2022) at Leiden University, where she was appointed Distinguished Professor on the theme of social responsibility and impact in 2024. Mesman has been a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences since 2018.

Photo credit: Annabel Oosteweegel