Maastricht University
Department of Health Education and Health Promotion
POB 616
6200 MD Maastricht

Netherlands

Homepage

Project leader

Prof. Hein de Vries Project leader  Phone: +31 (0) 433 882 415  Fax: +31 (0) 433 671 032  Contact

Project Staff

MSc. Dave Van Kann Research associate  Phone: +31 (0)43 388 42 74  Fax: +31 (0)43 367 10 32  Contact

Institute presentation

Maastricht University
Historic yet forward-thinking and contemporary, typically Dutch yet multicultural and vibrant, Maastricht is a city of contrasts. Known as the birthplace of the modern European Union, Maastricht also continues to establish itself internationally thanks to Maastricht University’s position as a leading academic centre in Europe.

Maastricht University (UM), the most international university in the Netherlands, stands out for its innovative approach to learning and international outlook. UM’s small-scale education is highly appreciated by students. In a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) environment, you address real-life issues, work with your peers and put theory into practice. At UM most of our programmes are taught in English. Over 47% of our students and 30% of our academic staff come from abroad, together representing over 70 different countries. We offer a wide variety of unique Europe-focused and international-oriented academic programmes, all of which are designed to bring out the best in you. At Maastricht University we focus on talent and reward the achievements of top students and researchers. UM graduates are independent, skilled problem-solvers who easily find their way in the labour market.

Facts & figures

• 14,500 students
• 3,800 staff
• 47% non-Dutch students
• 30% non-Dutch academic staff
• 6 faculties and a number of schools
• Over 30 research institutes

Department of Health Promotion
The department of Health Promotion is a leading organization with regard to structural intervention development. The department is working on a various range of health topics; smoke prevention / cessation, increase the intake of healthy food, increase physical activity, and many others. They develop various evidence-based interventions, like computer-based tailoring programs, school-based interventions etc.

The last decade the department of Health Promotion has worked on several national (e.g. Smoke Alert) and international (e.g. ESFA) smoke-related projects under supervision of Professor Hein de Vries (personal website). Lots of articles concerning these projects have been published, like for example:

De Vries, H., Mudde, A., Kremers, S., Charlton, A. Vartiainen, E., Buijs, G., Clemente, P., Storm, H., Gonzalez Navarro, A., Nebot, M. & Prinsen, T. (2003). The European Smoking Prevention Framework Approach (ESFA): An Example of Integral Prevention. Health Education Research, 18(5): 611-626.

Dijkstra, A. & De Vries, H. (1999). Self-efficacy expectations with regard to different tasks in smoking cessation. Psychology and Health, 15: 1-11.

Ausems, M., Mesters, I., van Breukelen, G. & De Vries, H. (2004). Effects of in-school and tailored out-of-school smoking prevention among Dutch vocational school students. Health Education Research, 19: 51-63.