Alkmaar lecture tackles stress: neurobiologist Brankele Frank shares insights on relaxation
Struggling with daily stress? Join the Van Foreest Public Lecture in Alkmaar on March 24 to learn how stress impacts your body and discover practical tips to protect your mental health. Neurobiologist Brankele Frank, a burnout survivor, will guide you through effective relaxation techniques.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | 24th Van Foreest Public Lecture |
| Date | March 24, 2026 |
| Location | Grote Kerk Alkmaar |
| Speaker | Brankele Frank (neurobiologist, author) |
| Topic | Stress and relaxation |
| Ticket Price | €7.50 |
| Ticket Availability | Grote Kerk Alkmaar website or Theater De Vest box office |
| Organizers | Municipality of Alkmaar, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Inholland University of Applied Sciences Alkmaar |
| Special Guests | Mayor Anja Schouten, city organist Pieter van Dijk, Artiance Regional Youth Orchestra |
| Speaker’s Book | Over de kop (Over the Edge) |
| Speaker’s Podcast | Let’s Go Mental |
The Municipality of Alkmaar, alongside local healthcare and educational partners, organizes the Van Foreest Public Lecture to promote public health awareness and education. This annual event honors Pieter van Foreest, a historical figure in Alkmaar’s medical community, by addressing contemporary health challenges like stress.
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Read the full translated article below
Van Foreest Public Lecture: Brankele Frank on Stress and Relaxation
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the 24th Van Foreest Public Lecture will take place in the Grote Kerk Alkmaar. This year’s lecture focuses on stress. Neurobiologist and author Brankele Frank will explain how stress affects the body and what you can do to relax more effectively.
Stress helps us respond to danger and challenges. However, when stress persists for too long, it can lead to health issues. Many people experience daily pressure from work, studies, or home concerns. During the lecture, you will receive practical tips on managing stress better and protecting your mental health.
About Brankele Frank
Brankele Frank (1987) is a neurobiologist, author, and speaker. She researches how the brain copes with stress and recovery. After experiencing burnout herself, she delved deeper into this topic. In her book Over de kop (Over the Edge), she explains what happens in the brain during burnout.
She also co-hosts the podcast Let’s Go Mental with Malou Holshuijsen and writes a weekly column for Het Financieele Dagblad. In 2025, she won the television program De Slimste Mens.
Evening Program
The evening features a varied program with music and Brankele Frank’s lecture. The event opens with organ music by city organist Pieter van Dijk and a performance by the Artiance Regional Youth Orchestra. Mayor Anja Schouten will officially open the evening.
Tickets and Information
Tickets cost €7.50 and are available via the Grote Kerk Alkmaar website or at the box office of Theater De Vest.
The Van Foreest Public Lecture is an initiative by the Municipality of Alkmaar, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, and Inholland University of Applied Sciences Alkmaar. The lecture is named after Pieter van Foreest, a renowned Alkmaar physician from the 16th century.