International VSPA Conference Psychology of Religion

The Conference Committee is a group of students devoted to the organisation of the Psychology of Religion conference in 2010.

This committee is initiated by the VSPA, the student association of psychology at the University of Amsterdam, who has made a tradition of organizing big scientific conferences each year that are accessible for students.

The conference committee

Short stories about who we are and what we do.

Gusta Marcus: chairman

My name is Gusta Marcus, I am a second year psychology student and the chairman of the conference committee. The reason I chose psychology is that I am interested in many subjects, like behaviour and biology, and for me this study brings that together. It is a fascinating field in which theories can be applied to the world around us.

At first, religion seemed to be a subject that had nothing to do with science for me, and I was surprised when I found out it can be studied by psychologists. It is an important topic for so many people and I find the psychology behind it fascinating.

I would like to learn about everything concerning the organisation of a conference and that is exactly what I have to do as a chairman. I hope the conference will bring about awareness and discussion and I’m looking forward to see the results of our organizational work.

Anna Deems: second chairman and head promotion

My name is Anna Deems. I am a 21 year old psychology student, born and bred in Amsterdam. Currently I am active as the second chairman of the committee, which is a great opportunity to obtain organizing skills and learn more about the interesting subject of the psychology of religion. I believe this is a fascinating topic because it concerns so many people in different ways, yet there has not been much experimental research concerning this subject. I hope our congress can make a modest contribution in providing a scientific point of view regarding the psychology of religion. Besides the wonderful world of psychology I would like to explore the field of journalism as well.

When I am not busy studying or writing, you can find me in the cinema, in a theatre watching contemporary dance or enjoying a concert (preferably from the Arctic Monkeys).

Kaya Peerdeman: secretary, head speakers and web coordinator

I am a 6th year student of Psychology at the UvA. Currently I am enrolled in the research master and the master in clinical psychology.

I joined the conference committee in January 2009, when the preparations for the conference just started. Soon after the committee decided upon the subject, I became head speakers, as well as minute-taker. Later on, I took on the full responsibilities of a secretary. Next to other activities, like recruiting sponsors, I have done most of the work to transform last years website into the website that you see right now.

I could never have done as much, if the subject did not match my interests so well. As long as I can remember I have been interested in religion. The question that has interested me most was always: Why do people believe? What has really motivated me to present the psychology of religion at this year’s conference, was the impression that religion was undervalued in psychology. Where religion takes a major place in many people’s lives, I have hardly heard anything about religion during my years as a student of psychology. Via the conference I hope to convince fellow psychology students as well as researchers that the Psychology of Religion is an important and interesting subject.

Yvette Veurink: treasurer and head design

I am Yvette Veurink and I am 19 years old. I grew up in Zeeland, Middelburg, but I spent the last two years in the wonderful city of Amsterdam to study psychology. I joined the conference committee in November 2009 and soon became treasurer. Now it is to see if it was a wise decision to take me into confidence with such a task. But for real, it is a great opportunity to obtain some financial skills as well as getting familiar with organizing such a big event.

As the subject of psychology of religion has not been wide spread yet, there is a whole field of scientific research to be discovered left. Hopefully this conference will be a small step in the right direction.

When I’m not busy with the conference you might find me with my nose in the books, endlessly trying to hit the ball the right way while playing tennis or taking photographs.

Marjolein Assendelft: general member, a.o. traveling and sponsoring

First of all I would like to introduce myself. I am Marjolein Assendelft and I am 20 years old. This is my second year of studying Psychology. From the beginning, Psychology was something that has always interested me. I have not chosen my specialization yet, but Clinical Psychology and Psychonomy really attract me. After my first year I decided I wanted do more than just studying. Joining the Conference committee gave me the perfect opportunity to educate myself. Being present at meetings, approaching sponsors and having contact with speakers are exciting, but I enjoy it!

In my opinion the theme Psychology of Religion is an originally chosen subject. From the past until now religion always had a great influence on human beings. Why this great influence has always existed, interests me. From different points of view, Psychology of Religion will be discussed at the conference. I hope this will lead to a creation of a better understanding of the role of Psychology in religion. Besides studying and being busy with the Conference Committee, I like to meet with friends, go to the gym and to read my book or watch television at home. The last thing I would like to say to you is just: enjoy the conference!

Nikki Rutte: general member, a.o. design and catering

My name is Nikki Rutte and I am 22 years old. I am a 4th year student of Psychology and I just started with the master in clinical psychology. I joined the conference committee at the beginning of November 2009. A lot of preparations had already been taken care of, like inviting speakers. Next to recruiting sponsors I’m responsible for a nice place to eat with the speakers during the conference. I’m also designing a poster and flyers with three other people of the committee.

When I am not studying or busy with the conference you can find me at the gym, at the movies or making pastas at a pasta to go shop.

Christian te Riet: head food & beverages

I am Christian. Which is actually quite funny, considering that my own religious view is most likely described as agnostic. I am 21 years old and a first year student Psychology at the UvA. Before coming to Amsterdam I studied at Utrecht University and have achieved a bachelor title in physics. My long-term goal is to move into the exciting new field of cognitive neuroscience which combines elements from psychology and biology as well mathematics and physics.

The theme of the Psychology Conference 2010 ‘Psychology of Religion’ attracted me because I wanted to know more about what drives people towards religion and religious behavior in general. Religion must be something fundamental to us as humans, considering its widespread occurrence and the huge amount of religious faiths and movements around the world. I was also quite interested in helping to organize such a large conference and learning some organizing skills not taught in regular classes. My contributions to the conference are non-specific, I help out in general, although my main tasks are catering related.

When not studying, working, or doing other stuff, there’s a good chance you could find me in Snowworld trying to learn some new snowboard stuff, or in the city taking photographs.

Tim Faber: general member, a.o. catering and design

Tim Faber is a second year student of the Psychology research master, with a specialization in Social Psychology.

Special thanks to

Erjo Beitler: former chairman

Janneke de Kort: former member of the committee

Ferdinand Oehme: former treasurer of the committee

Olivia Luijnenburg: part time member of the committee, a.o. book sale

Riëtte Swart: new member of the committee.

Renee Baelde: part time member of the committee, a.o. promotion

Niels Bom: webdesign

Freya Ruijs: designer program booklet

Elise Marcus: designer of collage committee pictures

Snoo Chen: advisor poster and flyer design

The VSPA board: Nina-Elisa Euson, Wouter Lemm, Roxanne Meijering, Joeri van Wijngaarden, Ravindra Ramdjas

Committee of Recommendation

prof. dr. J.A. van Belzen