Dr. Ralph Meulenbroeks

Biography

Ralph Meulenbroeks completed his conservatoire double-bass studies alongside a university physics degree, graduating ‘cum laude’. He finished his Ph.D. in plasma physics at Eindhoven University of Technology and has worked as a researcher at Shell, Océ, and FOM (Fundamental Research Matter). In addition to his research, he has worked as a physics teacher in secondary education and obtained a Master of Education in 2012 (cum laude). Since 2015, he has been involved in science education at Utrecht University, becoming an associate professor in the field in 2021 and a full professor in 2025. He serves as a career coach and gives keynote lectures and workshops focusing on intrinsic motivation. Ralph has initiated projects aimed at addressing the shortage of secondary school teachers in the Netherlands, including beta4all and studentinzetopschool. He also manages a popular YouTube channel. In September 2024, Ralph was appointed chair of the Freudenthal Institute at Utrecht University and will lead the scientific literacy program. He has studied the viola da gamba under Jaap ter Linden and has performed as a soloist with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra, working with renowned conductors. In addition to his academic pursuits, Ralph has a broad range of interests including macrobiotic food, t’ai chi, history, astrophysics, and aviation, holding a private pilot’s license.

Research Interests

Experience