In Memoriam Prof. dr. Gerjo Kok

Born on 10 March 1948 in Groningen, Gerjo grew up in a warm, Reformed family with six children. Although he did not engage much with the faith itself, its message - his sense of social justice and standing up for the less fortunate - strongly shaped his personality. After a few detours through mathematics, physics, and astronomy, Gerjo found his way to Social Psychology, where he obtained his PhD in 1983 at the University of Groningen. After his first years as a university lecturer in Groningen, he made the move to Maastricht, where his career would become a defining force in health education, and later as an endowed professor of AIDS prevention and full professor of Applied Psychology, now at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, where he served two terms as a highly respected Dean. Throughout his further career, he was active in an impressive number of advisory boards, committees, and policy bodies. He contributed to guidelines and programs for sexual health, AIDS prevention, nutrition, asthma, infectious disease control, school health, gender and ethnicity in care, youth interventions, and countless other themes. For his exceptional contributions, Gerjo received various awards and honours, including his appointment as Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2007.

Together with his colleagues from Texas, Gerjo was one of the founders of Intervention Mapping, the systematic approach for planning behavioural and health interventions that is now applied worldwide. The approach involves carefully analysing behaviour and context, translating psychological theory into concrete applications, and involving all relevant ecological levels in intervention development. The book Planning Health Promotion Programs: An Intervention Mapping Approach has meanwhile become a standard work in the field.

In the final years of his life, it was precisely that which had always been his great strength- his intellectual sharpness, strategic insight, and ability for clear analysis - that slowly began to fail him. When Alzheimer’s was diagnosed in 2024, he approached this diagnosis with the same courage, honesty, and determination that characterised his work and life. During this difficult period, he remained remarkably brave and - in a way that was entirely ‘Gerjo’- tried to understand the process and to regain control where possible. The way he approached his health condition bore witness to the same strength, dignity, and humanity that characterised his entire career and personality.

We remember Gerjo as a brilliant thinker, a driven researcher, a person of integrity, and a remarkable human being. His passion for science and his desire to understand and improve the world will continue to inspire us. His work is being carried on by countless colleagues, students, and researchers; a new generation stands ready, and Intervention Mapping will continue to evolve.

Our thoughts go out to all who loved him, worked with him, and those whom he shaped.

We will miss Gerjo - as a colleague, mentor, and friend.

Gill ten Hoor & Rob Ruiter
On behalf of the Department of Work & Social Psychology

A quiet memorial space has been set up in the ‘Bubble’ at Universiteitssingel 40, room A4760A, for colleagues who wish to pause and reflect on Gerjo’s passing.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29th, at 10:30 AM in the auditorium of Eijsden Crematorium, Pisartlaan 8, Eijsden. Guests will gather at 10:00 AM in the reception room of the crematorium, where you can offer your condolences. 

In lieu of flowers, Gerjo would appreciate a donation to Alzheimer Nederland. This can be done in the reception room of the crematorium.