Katherine Stroebe receives Royal Decoration

On 2 September 2025, Katherine Stroebe (Germany, 1975), former associate professor of Social Psychology at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen, received a Royal Decoration. She received the insignia of the Royal Decoration in the grade of Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau from Mayor Roelien Kamminga of the Municipality of Groningen during the opening of the academic year at her Faculty.

Katherine Stroebe is one of those researchers who not only excelled in their work, but also made a profound impact on people affected by injustice and traumatic events, particularly the residents of the earthquake-stricken area in Groningen. Her work has changed lives. It is therefore particularly sad that she has had to discontinue her work due to long COVID, bringing an end to an impressive academic career.

Pioneer in the gas issue

When Stroebe began her research in 2013 on the impact of  earthquakes on residents, she was still a pioneer. At that time, putting people first was a visionary approach: the gas issue was still mainly about money and buildings. Her excellent research enabled her to capture the core of the distress experienced by the people of Groningen. Her unwavering determination to bring about change through her research ensured that her publications received widespread attention in the national media and had a major impact on the relevant governmental agencies and political bodies. For example, in 2015, she convinced the National Coordinator Groningen to fund a study called Gronings Perspectief on the impact on residents. This project has since been mapping the psychological impact of the earthquakes on residents.

Major impact

Stroebe embarked on a thorough epidemiological study, which conclusively proved that damage to homes causes stress and has unhealthy effects. The nearly 80 interviews she conducted in 2017 revealed what makes residents feel unsafe and what causes them stress. She succeeded in maintaining good contacts with residents and invested a great deal of time and effort, even outside of working hours. These efforts led to the publication of detailed reports that not only present figures, but also highlight residents’ experiences. Her dedication turned science into a powerful tool for highlighting how gas extraction affects residents in the earthquake area. As a result, her research has made an important contribution to finding solutions to the problem.

The suffering of the people of Groningen brought to light

With a research output of 22 reports, five frequently cited scientific publications, and more than 50 presentations, Stroebe has brought the suffering of the people of Groningen to light. The subject has been given priority in politics and among policymakers. Her research findings have also been embraced in the public debate and now serve as one of the pillars of government policy. As such, her achievements continue to have a lasting impact on society. For example, the parliamentary inquiry committee dedicated a thematic chapter to her research and endorsed her conclusions.

Champion of social justice

With her determination and principled nature, Stroebe has always been an active champion of social justice, both within and outside academia. She tirelessly and selflessly devoted herself to the community and nature. For example, when trees in her own neighbourhood were about to be felled, even though better alternatives were available,  she sprang into action. She has also always fought against the unequal treatment of female researchers.

Gift for building connections

During her work, Stroebe did not limit herself to science, but was also fully committed to special multidisciplinary collaborative projects. The Gronings Perspectief research project is an excellent example of this and an inspiration to others. Her gift for building connections and vision were also evident during the establishment of the Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health. This School was established to provide a boost to public health in Groningen and is therefore of great importance to both the University and the entire region.

Inspiring role model

As a professor, supervisor, lecturer, and mentor, Stroebe is known for her personal and committed guidance, her close collaboration with students, PhD candidates, and assistants, and the way she has managed to create a sense of trust and equality within her teams. Her warm, heartfelt personality is widely praised, as well as her constant concern for the wellbeing of those around her. This makes her an inspiring role model for many. Everyone deeply regrets that she has had to step down from her position as a result of long COVID.