Tessa Roseboom

Tessa Roseboom is Professor of Early Development and Health at the University of Amsterdam, and Future Generations Commissioner of Amsterdam UMC. As a biologist fascinated by the wonder of life, in the past 25 years, she has investigated how the early environment in which humans grow and develop shapes health throughout life. Her aim is to generate knowledge and awareness about the fundamental importance of a good start in life. She does this through research, advocacy and teaching. The main questions are: What are the consequences of exposures in early life? Which interventions and policies are effective in optimising people’s chances to develop to their full potential? and How to optimally communicate this knowledge to stakeholders (future parents, professionals and policymakers)?

To translate the knowledge from research into policy and practice, Professor Roseboom works at national and international levels advocating for investments in a good start in life in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, her goal is to contribute to giving each child the best possible start in life to allow them to develop to their full potential in order to create a healthier, more equal future for all.

Photo credit: Marieke de Lorijn