About us
Our story
The story of MemoryLab illustrates what can be achieved when foundational research is applied in practice. Dr. Hedderik van Rijn, a professor in experimental psychology at the University of Groningen, developed an innovative memory model through his scientific work. Cognitive science can often remain in a lab setting. The algorithm Hedderik developed in 2009 showed promising results in real classrooms. Students received higher grades while practising with the algorithm based on this theoretical memory model. This model formed the basis of MemoryLab, an AI program designed to enhance learning by adapting to individual student learning pace. Over the past 16 years, MemoryLab’s algorithm was improved and adjusted by continuous research.
From the lab to the classroom
The product initially started under the name RUGged Learning, as the algorithm’s story originates from the University of Groningen (RUG). A student of Van Rijn completed an internship at Noordhoff Publishers. They were looking to upgrade their online learning using well-founded materials. This resulted in a successful collaboration ensuring most Dutch high school students of all ages and standings gained access to a research based learning method. We are proud to be one of the success stories of bringing research to the public. Soon, everyone knew MemoryLab as the SlimStampen method.
To further the initial success and bring science and pedagogically sound education to more schools an entrepreneurial journey had started. In 2021, Hedderik arrived at VentureLab, where he began a partnership with Hilco Boerlage, co-director of MemoryLab. Boerlage brought the business savvy necessary to complement Van Rijn’s scientific expertise.
Going international
Over the years, more and more students from different countries gained access to our learning methods. It was during this time that we decided to go international and become MemoryLab. Looking ahead, MemoryLab aims to reimagine the educational landscape. We envision a system where adaptive learning eliminates the need for traditional testing, thereby reducing student stress and providing a more accurate measurement of mastery. With our team we will make sure that students everywhere get access to well founded, optimised, and personalised adaptive learning methods.
Our team
Our team is formed by young professionals with extensive research background, blending their scientific expertise with innovation.
Management team
Research team
Myrthe Braam, MSc
Researcher
Maarten van der Velde, PhD
Senior Researcher
Thomas Wilschut, PhD student
Researcher
Development team
Jarco Uil, BSc
Full-stack developer
Tom Doesburg, MSc
Head of Technology
Jori Blankestijn, MSc
Full-stack developer
Stefania Denisa, MSc
UX Designer
Teya Kasabova, BSc student
Lead tester
Communication and Outreach team
Fausta Lukosiute, BSc
Outreach and Events Coordinator
Nathan McCabe, MSc
International Partnership Coordinator
Saar Speijers, BSc
Partnership & Operations Manager
Interested in collaborating with us?
Reach out to our dedicated partners for school and publishers partnerships. We are looking forward to help you.
Interested in collaborating with us?
Reach out to our dedicated partners for school and publishers partnerships. We are looking forward to help you.
