Erik Scherder (born 26 May 1959) is a Dutch neuroscientist and professor of neuropsychology at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. He is widely recognized for his research on brain ageing, neuroplasticity, and the effects of physical activity on cognition, as well as for his extensive public‑science outreach through television programmes, books, and public lectures.
Early life and education
Erik Scherder was born in the Netherlands. He studied psychology at Radboud University (formerly the Catholic University of Nijmegen) and later pursued doctoral research in the field of neuropsychology. The specific title and year of his PhD dissertation are not publicly confirmed.
Academic career
Scherder holds a professorial chair in neuropsychology at Radboud University Medical Center. His research interests include the relationship between lifestyle factors—particularly exercise—and brain health, the mechanisms of brain plasticity in ageing populations, and the use of neuroimaging techniques to study functional brain changes. He has contributed to peer‑reviewed scientific literature on these topics and has supervised graduate students in neuropsychology and related disciplines.
Public outreach and media work
Beyond his academic responsibilities, Scherder is a prominent science communicator in the Netherlands. He has presented several television series that aim to make neuroscience accessible to a general audience, most notably:
- Erik maakt m’n brein gezond (Erik Makes My Brain Healthy), a program focusing on practical strategies for maintaining brain health.
- Appearances on other Dutch television and radio programmes discussing topics such as memory, stress, and cognitive decline.
Scherder has authored and co‑authored popular‑science books that translate neuroscientific findings into everyday advice for improving mental fitness. He frequently delivers public lectures, participates in health‑promotion campaigns, and engages with the media to discuss current developments in brain research.
Awards and recognitions
He has received acknowledgments for his contributions to public understanding of science, including media awards for his television work. Specific award titles and dates have not been independently verified.
Selected publications
Scholarly articles – Scherder has published research articles in peer‑reviewed journals covering topics such as the impact of aerobic exercise on hippocampal volume and the cognitive benefits of lifelong learning.
Popular‑science books – He has authored books aimed at lay readers that discuss brain health, neuroplasticity, and lifestyle interventions for cognitive well‑being.
Professional affiliations
Scherder is affiliated with the Department of Neurology and the Faculty of Social Sciences at Radboud University. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams of clinicians, psychologists, and physiologists in research projects related to ageing and cognition.
Personal life
Details about his personal life are not widely publicized.
References
Information compiled from publicly available academic profiles, media interviews, and published works. Accurate information is not confirmed for items where source verification is lacking.