Kick-off meeting in Amsterdam
On 12 and 13 February 2026 we officially launched our project with a Kick-off meeting in Amsterdam!
Representatives from all Gender Insight Beneficiaries gathered in Amsterdam for two days of insightful discussions. During the meeting, Beneficiaries shared their perspectives and exciting plans for the next four years with Associated Partners and the Scientific Advisory Board, laying the foundation for fruitful collaborations and meaningful interactions in the years ahead.
To mark this special occasion, we hosted a Public Event, welcoming everyone interested in our mission. We introduced our project to a wider audience and showcased our vision for the coming years. We were honored to be joined by Valentijn de Hingh, Annelijn Wensing-Kruger, Ellen de Bruijn, and Claire Zhou. Thank you all for your inspiring contributions!
A special thanks also goes to our REA Project Officer, Cristiana Branchini, who guided us through our rights and responsibilities and offered her support for the journey ahead. Thank you, Cristiana, for your warm and insightful conversation—we look forward to working together!
Opening event
Gender Insight held a public event during its kickoff-meeting on 12 February 2026. The event included a brief introduction to the network, two short lectures on hormones and the brain/social behavior, an interview with a writer/cultural influencer from the trans community, and a short film screening. The event was held in the Medical Faculty Building on the VU University Campus, in the Atrium, starting at 19:00 and concluding at 20:50, followed by an open reception in the foyer.
Date
12 February 2026
Time
19:00-20:50
Place
Atrium Room of Medical Faculty Building, VU Campus
Programme
| 19:00 | Welcome |
| 19:05 | Conversation Valentijn de Hingh, writer and DJ, and Annelijn Wensing-Kruger, Chair Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria |
| 19:25 | From puberty to menopause: hormonal changes and the female brain - Ellen de Bruijn, Professor in Neurocognitive Clinical Psychology |
| 19:45 | Hormonal changes and social relations – David Doyle, Assistant Professor in Medical Psychology |
| 20:05 | Introduction of Gender InSIGHT – a European network for the Investigation of biopsychosocial Influences on Gender during (diverse) Hormonal Transitions – Sabine Hannema, Paediatric Endocrinologist |
| 20:20 | Film ‘Het Optreden’, introduced by Claire Zhou, Writer & Director. |
| 20:45 | Closing |
| 20:50 | Reception |