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.

Picture displaying the MemoryLab team

Our team

Our team is formed by young professionals with extensive research background, blending their scientific expertise with innovation.

Management team

Our research director at MemoryLab

prof. dr. Hedderik van Rijn

Scientific Director

Hedderik, a professor and researcher at the University of Groningen, has been at the forefront of memory research for over a decade and is the architect of the model underlying our educational products.

Our managing director at MemoryLab

Hilco Boerlage, MSc

Director

Hilco stands as director of MemoryLab, connecting and accelerating its innovative team. With a background as a teacher and over 15 years of experience in business development, Hilco effectively integrates his expertise with scientific research.

Research team

Our Researcher at MemoryLab

Myrthe Braam, MSc

Researcher

Our senior researcher at MemoryLab

Maarten van der Velde, PhD

Senior Researcher

Researcher at MemoryLab

Thomas Wilschut, PhD student

Researcher

Development team

Our Full-stack developer

Jarco Uil, BSc

Full-stack developer

Our Head of Technology Developer

Tom Doesburg, MSc

Head of Technology

Our full stack developer and UX/UI Designer at MemoryLab

Jori Blankestijn, MSc

Full-stack developer

Our UX Designer at MemoryLab

Stefania Denisa, MSc

UX Designer

Our lead tester at MemoryLab

Teya Kasabova, BSc student

Lead tester

Communication and Outreach team

Our Outreach and Events Coordinator

Fausta Lukosiute, BSc

Outreach and Events Coordinator

Our International Partnership Coordinator

Nathan McCabe, MSc

International Partnership Coordinator

Our Partnership & Operations Manager

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.

International Partnership Coordinator assisting you in adaptive learning solutions

Nathan McCabe

International Partnership Coordinator

Interested in collaborating with us?

Reach out to our dedicated partners for school and publisher partnerships. We are looking forward to help you.

Partnership & Operations Manager offering adaptive learning solutions

Saar Speijers

Partnership & Operations Manager

Get in touch with us

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International Partnership Coordinator assisting you in adaptive learning solutions

Nathan McCabe

International Partnership Coordinator

Partnership & Operations Manager offering adaptive learning solutions

Saar Speijers

Partnership & Operations Manager​

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