Inaugural lecture Lonneke Lenferink: Grief in everyday life

How does grief unfold in everyday life? Why do some people become stuck in the grieving process, while others gradually find a way to come to terms with their loss? And how can we better support bereaved people in daily life? These questions are central to the inaugural lecture by Lonneke Lenferink, which will take place at the Academy Building on December 11, 2026.

In her research, Lenferink focuses on prolonged grief symptoms and how people cope with the loss of a loved one. She looks beyond group averages and one time-point assessments, recognising that grief is a dynamic and individual process that comes in waves and also affects the people around us. For example, she investigates how family members influence one another in their grieving process using multiple timepoints.

Another key focus is how grief treatment can be improved and made more accessible. Lenferink explores how technology can help provide appropriate support at the right time, for example through online treatments and apps. She also critically examines the possibilities and limitations of artificial intelligence in grief treatment.

Through her research, Lenferink aims to contribute to timely, effective and accessible support for people who struggle with their grief. After all, scientific knowledge only truly makes a difference when it also leads to better support for bereaved people.