Personal profile
Research interests
Prof. Semiha Denktaş (Istanbul, 1973) studied Clinical & Health Psychology at Utrecht University and Integration & Migration Studies at the Erasmus University Rotterdam. She obtained her PhD on the subject of The Health and Healthcare use of Elderly First Generation Migrants in the Netherlands. Denkta? played a seminal role in the establishment of the Erasmus University College, serving as Head of the Social & Behavioural Science department from 2013 to 1 September 2018. As of 1 September 2018, she leads the Behavioural Change pillar at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Rotterdam (ESSB). As of 1 October 2018, Prof. Semiha Denkta? helds the position of Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) at Erasmus University Rotterdam. She has a vast amount of experience in large-scale, multi-disciplinary research programmes. In 2017, she started the Behavioural Insights Group Rotterdam (BIG’R) and HEALTHY’R together with the Municipality of Rotterdam. She continues to serve as Academic Director of these collaborations. Through these vessels and under her leadership, various research projects are being conducted in Rotterdam to examine and achieve behaviour change. These include behavioural studies aimed at promoting improved mental and physical health, with a special focus on marginalised and vulnerable groups. Denkta? is a board member of Female Academics Moving toward Equity (FAME) of the Erasmus University Rotterdam; a group focused on the participation and empowerment of women in all academic ranks. She is also a board member of the “Coalitie Rotterdammers voor Mekaar” (Coalition of Rotterdammers for Each Other); a Rotterdam-focused coalition that engages its network to detect threats to social cohesion and strengthens and combines existing forces and initiatives to increase social cohesion.
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Restricted access to GPs had limited effect on consultations for mental health problems in deprived areas during COVID-19: A cohort study
Sana, S., Magnée, T., van Pelt, S., Premysl, V., Bindels, P. J. E., Denktaş, S., de Schepper, E. I. T. & Kocken, P. L., Feb 2026, In: Public Health. 251, 6 p., 106116.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Exploring peer education for migrant informal caregivers of mentally ill loved ones: a realist evaluation protocol
Hollaar, M., Kocken, P., Uysal-Bozkir, Ö., Smedts, M. & Denktaş, S., Aug 2025, In: Frontiers in Public Health. 13, 11 p., 1623903.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
An integral approach to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access
de Bruin, G. & Denktaş, S., 7 May 2025, Turning Dei Goals Into Reality: A Hands-On Guide to an Inclusive Workplace. Denktaş, S., de Bruin, G. & van den Ring-Bax, J. (eds.). 1 ed. p. 33-53 21 p.Research output: Chapter/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Academic
Open AccessFile5 Downloads (Pure) -
Inclusive leadership
Engels, R. & Denktaş, S., 7 May 2025, Turning DEI Goals Into Reality: A Hands-On Guide to an Inclusive Workplace. Denktaş, S., de Bruin, G. & van den Ring-Bax, J. (eds.). 1 ed. London, p. 142-155 14 p.Research output: Chapter/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Academic
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
Preface
Denktaş, S., 7 May 2025, Turning DEI Goals Into Reality: A Hands-On Guide to an Inclusive Workplace. Denktaş, S., de Bruin, G. & van den Ring-Bax, J. (eds.). 1 ed. London, p. xiv-xv 2 p.Research output: Chapter/Conference proceeding › Foreword/postscript › Academic
Open AccessFile
Datasets
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Change in Lifestyle Behaviors After Preconception Care: A Prospective Cohort Study
Sijpkens, M. K. (Contributor), van Voorst, S. F. (Contributor), Rosman, A. N. (Creator), de Jong-Potjer, L. C. (Contributor), Denktaş, S. (Creator), Koch, B. C. P. (Creator), Bertens, L. C. M. (Creator) & Steegers, E. A. P. (Creator), 2020
DOI: 10.25384/sage.c.4987325.v2, https://sage.figshare.com/collections/Change_in_Lifestyle_Behaviors_After_Preconception_Care_A_Prospective_Cohort_Study/4987325/2
Dataset
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Comprehensive Evaluation of the Behavioral Insights Group Rotterdam
Dewies, M. (Creator), Merkelbach, I. (Creator), Edelenbos, J. (Creator), Rohde, K. I. M. (Creator) & Denktaş, S. (Creator), 2023
DOI: 10.25384/sage.c.6713486.v1, https://sage.figshare.com/collections/Comprehensive_Evaluation_of_the_Behavioral_Insights_Group_Rotterdam/6713486/1
Dataset
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Health behaviours and well-being among older adults with a Surinamese migration background in the Netherlands
Jagroep, W. (Creator), Cramm, J. M. (Creator), Denktaş, S. (Creator) & Nieboer, A. P. (Creator), 2022
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6280253.v1, https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Health_behaviours_and_well-being_among_older_adults_with_a_Surinamese_migration_background_in_the_Netherlands/6280253/1
Dataset
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The effect of a preconception care outreach strategy: the Healthy Pregnancy 4 All study
Sijpkens, M. K. (Contributor), Van Voorst, S. F. (Contributor), De Jong-Potjer, L. C. (Contributor), Denktaş, S. (Creator), Verhoeff, A. P. (Creator), Bertens, L. C. M. (Creator), Rosman, A. N. (Creator) & Steegers, E. A. P. (Creator), 2019
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4376624.v1, https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/The_effect_of_a_preconception_care_outreach_strategy_the_Healthy_Pregnancy_4_All_study/4376624/1
Dataset
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Exploring the intersectionality of family SES and gender with psychosocial, behavioural and environmental correlates of physical activity in Dutch adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Mamede, A. (Creator), Erdem, Ö. (Creator), Noordzij, G. (Creator), Merkelbach, I. (Creator), Kocken, P. (Creator) & Denktaş, S. (Creator), 2022
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6168936.v1, https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Exploring_the_intersectionality_of_family_SES_and_gender_with_psychosocial_behavioural_and_environmental_correlates_of_physical_activity_in_Dutch_adolescents_a_cross-sectional_study/6168936/1
Dataset
Activities
- 2 Oral presentation
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Gezondheid van allochtonen in Rotterdam
Denktas, S. (Speaker)
26 Apr 2000Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation › Academic
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Klanten en draagvlak van organisaties en instellingen
Denktas, S. (Speaker)
22 Apr 1999Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation › Academic
Press/Media
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ERC Annual Conference 2023: Research on Diversity & Diversity in Frontier Research
21/11/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Public engagement activities › Academic
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GLOBAL ROUND UP SECTOR WEEKLY: UNIVERSITY NEWSLETTER OF WEEK-ENDED NOV 12, 2023
Punzi, M. C., van Wingerde, K., Staring, R., Bisschop, L., Denktas, S., Dijk, S. & de Jong, M.
13/11/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Public engagement activities › Academic