Jaap Oosterlaan (1962) is full professor in Paediatric Neuropsychology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Oosterlaan has a background in health sciences, finished his PhD in psychology and became full professor in Paediatric Neuropsychology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he continues to have a chair and research group. His main affiliation is now with the Emma Children's Hospital AMC and department of Paediatrics VU Medical Center. Please visit the Emma Children's Hospital AMC website for more information. Oosterlaan is on the board of directors of the institute for postgraduate mental health care education for North Netherlands (RINO) and is permanent member of the Dutch Health Counsel. He has published more than 280 international peer-reviewed papers, with an accompanying h-index of 52 (Web of Science).

Oosterlaan’s research program concentrates on two lines of research. One line of research focuses on medical conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as premature birth and traumatic brain injury. This line of research is hosted at the department of Paediatrics of the Emma Children’s Hospital Amsterdam Medical Centre and is carried out in close collaboration with dr. Marsh Konigs. The other line of research targets childhood disruptive behaviour disorders, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and antisocial behaviour. This research is hosted at the section of Clinical Neuropsychology of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and carried out in close collaboration with dr. Marjolein Luman and dr. Hanneke van Ewijk.

The research program targets several aims: (1) to provide a new ways to assess and diagnose brain functioning; (2) to elucidate underlying mechanisms of dysfunction (brain functioning measures are closer to the genetic underpinnings of a disorder, and less influenced by environmental factors than the behavioural manifestation of a disorder); and (3) to develop new treatment approaches to enhance brain function (e.g., training of cognitive and motor functions, physical exercise). The research program employs a broad array of measures including measures of behavioural, cognitive, motor, academic and brain functioning, with special emphasis on measures of brain functioning. Measures include a variety of sophisticated computer based paradigms assessing a broad array of brain functions varying from basic motor skills to higher order cognitive processes. These measures are currently integrated in a battery of tests; the Emma's Toolbox. Brain functioning is assessed using imaging techniques including high density EEG and MRI-based techniques including structural and functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging.

• Gezondheidsraad | Den Haag | Lid | 2010-01-01 - present

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