Verena Hinze

Verena is pleased to consider applications from prospective students with an interest in young people's mental health. Please do reach out early in advance to discuss ideas and identify funding opportunities.

Dr Verena Hinze is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Green Templeton College and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford.

Her research explores the connection between physical and mental health, with a particular focus on young people. She is especially interested in understanding the link between chronic pain and severe distress, including the risk of self-harm. Verena’s research draws on developmental and clinical psychology, psychiatric epidemiology, public health, and qualitative research, with the aim to promote mental wellbeing, prevent mental health difficulties, and improve support for those, who are currently struggling.

She collaborates closely with pain management services (including the Oxford Centre for Children & Young People in Pain, a specialised paediatric pain management service in Oxford) to ensure that her research addresses the real-life needs of adolescents with chronic pain, their families, and healthcare providers.

Beyond her research, Verena is committed to fostering a supportive academic environment. She serves on the People & Culture Committee and co-chairs the Career Development Working Group: Academic to support and empower academic staff and researchers in their career development. 

Prior to completing her DPhil at the University of Oxford, Verena has completed both her Bachelor degree (BSc) in Psychology and her Research Master degree (MSc (research) – cum laude) in Clinical and Health Psychology at Leiden University, the Netherlands. 

Verena has received independent research funding from the Medical Research Foundation, Versus Arthritis, the German foundations: Stiftung Oskar-Helene-Heim and FAZIT Stiftung, as well as the University of Oxford’s Public and Community Engagement with Research Seed Fund and the Lockey Fund.