On 31 October 2024, Kayla Green, core team member of the Healthy Start ambition ‘Mental well-being of youth’, defended her PhD thesis cum laude at Erasmus University Rotterdam. During her defence, she was evaluated by a committee of academics, but Kayla asked herself an important question: Why are only academics asking the questions? Shouldn’t we broaden the conversation?

Therefore, on March 24, Kayla will give a unique second defence of her PhD thesis. This time, instead of academics, societal partners will be asking the questions. How do entrepreneurs, youth workers and teachers perceive her findings? What can we learn from each other, and how can we better connect science and practice?

Kayla’s research focusses on how young people develop and thrive in a changing world. Especially those facing socioeconomic challenges often experience greater concerns about the future and feelings of stress. But young people are also resilient, and often eager to make an impact or let their voices be heard. Therefore, it is crucial to actively involve them in science and policymaking. During this defence, societal partners will reflect on whether Kayla has succeeded in doing so.

In addition to Kayla’s defence, Life After School will work with youth to reflect on some key questions. This societal defence is part of a collaboration between SYNC Lab at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Albeda, bridging the gap between academia and secondary vocational education.

Albeda Promotie | March 24, 2025 | 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

You can register through this link.