Paulien Bongers

Research area

This resulted in an extensive academic track record with an H-index of 66 and over 23.000 citations. I have initiated the intensive research collaboration ‘Body@Work’ with the Amsterdam MC, location VUmc. The current focus of the research is on developing and applying scientific knowledge to increase health, vitality and sustainable productivity and employment in the changing world of work due to the digital and technological innovations. I have been a permanent member of the Dutch Health Council (Gezondheidsraad) and is currently one of the chairs of the Dutch Routes in the Science Agenda (NWA).  As science director, I have a broad research orientation, ranging from Metabolic and Immune Health to Child Health, thus building bridges between several health research domains. I am actively involved in the creation of multidisciplinary public private partnerships in the Netherlands. On the international level, I am the chair of PEROSH, Partnership for European Research in Occupational Safety and Health. PEROSH is a network of thirteen European occupational safety and health institutes, that collaborates intensively.

Recent results

The recent research that has been published in the academic literature focused on several work and employability themes in modern Dutch society: the effect of multiple job holding on health and well-being, the (cost) effectiveness of lifestyle and health promotion interventions in workers in different industrial sectors, such as construction and office workers (see publications below). The current PhD projects focus on prevention of work related psychological health risks and their detrimental effect on health and well-being. This includes for instance research on effective implementation strategies in different professional groups and the effect of the digital transition in private and professional life and the psychological health and well-being of the youngest professional generation.

PhD supervision

• Stef Bouwhuis (TNO VP and Amsterdam MC funding)
• Lennart van der Zwaan (TNO VP and Amsterdam MC funding)
• Maartje Bakhuijs Roozeboom (TNO VP and Amsterdam MC funding)
• Malte Steinhoff (TNO VP and Amsterdam MC funding)

Top publications

• Bouwhuis S, Geuskens GA, Boot CRL, van der Beek AJ, Bongers PM. Health differences between multiple and single job holders in precarious employment in the Netherlands: A cross-sectional study among Dutch workers. PLoS One. 2019 Sep 11;
• Viester L, Verhagen EALM, Bongers PM, van der Beek AJ. Effectiveness of a Worksite Intervention for Male Construction Workers on Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors, Body Mass Index, and Health Outcomes: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Health Promot. 2018 Mar;32(3):795-805.
• van Dongen JM, Coffeng JK, van Wier MF, Boot CRL, Hendriksen IJM, van Mechelen W, Bongers PM, van der Beek AJ, Bosmans JE, van Tulder MW. The cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment of a combined social and physical environmental intervention in office employees. Health Educ Res. 2017 Oct 1;32(5):384-398.