dr. M.C.S. (Muirne) Paap

Expertise and ambitions

The central questions I address with my research are how we can develop measurement instruments with the highest possible reliability and validity by using modern technology, and how we can present the resulting test data in such a way that we maximise the probability that the test data are interpreted correctly. I am a psychometrician with specific expertise on the topic of clinical diagnostics in various fields. Through my extensive international network, I have access to special and very large clinical datasets that are essential for investigating the applicability of the methodology I develop. The methods I develop can be applied in psychiatry, clinical psychology, educational measurement and quality of life measurement. My goal is to take diagnostics to a higher level by developing guidelines or methodology for each step in the diagnostic process that combine the powers of advanced mathematical models and algorithms, groundbreaking innovations in the field of ICT and in-depth professional knowledge.

Young Academy Groningen

I joined the Young Academy Groningen in 2021, and have been active in several working groups since. I previously co-chaired the Diversity & Inclusion working group and am now a member of the Policy working group. Topics I feel strongly about include making Ius Promovendi available for assistant and associate professors, “Everyone Professor”, how to reduce work-pressure and increase well-being of ECRs, how the starter and incentive grants are distributed, improving social safety and inclusion, maintaining and cherishing a diverse workforce at our university (especially in the face of upcoming plans of the new government), de-emphasising hierarchy, and connected leadership.

Education

• PhD, Psychiatry, 2011, University of Oslo, Norway
• MSc, Clinical Psychology and Psychometrics, 2006, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. Graduated with honors.