Interview with the IPS Principal Investigators: Aleksandrina Skvortsova
Who are you and how did you become involved with IPS?
My name is Aleksandrina Skvortsova, I am an Assistant Professor at the Health, Medical and Neuropsychology unit of Leiden University and a member of IPS. Almost my whole academic career I have been focusing on various aspects of placebo and nocebo effects. During my PhD in Leiden University, I investigated how placebo effects can influence endocrine system. During my PostDoc at McGill University, I was doing research on the neurochemical mechanisms of nocebo effect. Joining IPS was a very logical step for me, once I moved back to Leiden.
What is the focus of your current research, and why is this important?
I am interested in several research areas, but my current research mostly focuses on placebo and nocebo effects in metabolism and eating behavior. I am very interested in how placebo and nocebo affect physiological responses and what physiological processes influence placebo and nocebo. The area of food metabolism in placebo research is quite underexplored, while it is extremely clinically relevant, considering the rising levels of diabetes and obesity worldwide.
My second interest is applying the knowledge on placebo and nocebo effects to clinical practice and training healthcare professionals to optimally use this knowledge in clinical practice. I participate in development of communication trainings for healthcare professionals.
What inspired you to pursue this research topic?
The area placebo research is a perfect combination of generating deep theoretical knowledge (about the mind-body interaction) and practical clinically relevant knowledge. This combination really inspires me, as I feel like doing this type of research I can contribute to science and provide patients and healthcare professionals with practical solutions at the same time.
How does your research align with the mission and goals of IPS?
My research completely aligns with the goals of IPS. I perform rigorous scientific research that includes laboratory highly controlled studies as well as randomized controlled trials with clinical populations. At the same time, I work a lot on creating solutions for healthcare professionals, such as communication trainings. Finally, I strive to disseminate the results of my research among the broad public and patient groups.
What impact do you hope your research will have, both in science and in society?
I hope that my research will shed more light on the mind-body interaction and will allow us to use this interaction to improve health outcomes. In the area of food metabolism and eating behavior, I hope that based on my research results, we will be able to create effective expectancy-based interventions to help people reduce their food cravings and improve metabolic outcomes.
What are the next steps or future ambitions for your research?
I am working on establishing my own research line on the topic of placebo and nocebo effects in food metabolism and eating behavior. I am constantly searching for funding opportunities and new collaborations to involve more scientists to work on this topic. In future I hope to have my own research group working on this topic.
