Neuroscientist, Stress Researcher & Co-Founder of Stressinsight
Erwin van den Burg is a neuroscientist and stress researcher with over twenty years of experience studying how chronic stress shapes the brain, body, and behavior. His scientific work focuses on stress physiology, cortisol dynamics, amygdala reactivity, prefrontal control, and the neurobiological mechanisms through which everyday pressure can turn into chronic strain.
He co-founded Stressinsight to bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday working life. After publishing a well-received book on stress in The Netherlands and launching a public stress journal, Erwin saw a growing need for a more interactive, accessible, and science-grounded platform. Stressinsight was created to help individuals and organizations understand stress at its source — and navigate it more wisely in real work contexts.
Rather than treating stress as something to eliminate, Erwin approaches it as a meaningful signal about how people are working, relating, and organizing their time and energy.
Expertise
Stress physiology (HPA axis, cortisol, amygdala–PFC circuitry)
Chronic stress, hyperarousal, and cognitive fatigue
Organizational stressors: workload, autonomy, clarity, conflict, and culture
Neurobiology of resilience and recovery
Workplace dynamics and motivation
Translating neuroscience into practical guidance for professionals
Erwin’s Approach
Erwin starts from a simple premise: stress rarely has a single cause. It typically emerges where biological stress systems meet unclear expectations, chronic overload, limited autonomy, conflict, or perceived unfairness at work.
His framework integrates three perspectives:
1. Understanding the stress system — making sense of what the brain and body are doing under pressure.
2. Small, realistic micro-actions — gentle footholds that can create a bit of steadiness in the moment.
3. Working with real conditions at work — clarifying priorities, negotiating boundaries and reducing unnecessary unpredictability.
The aim is not perfection or instant calm, but clearer orientation, wiser choices, and more sustainable ways of working.
Role at Stressinsight
Erwin leads content development, research translation, and the scientific direction of the Stressnsight platform, course, community, and consultancy services. His work centers on turning rigorous neuroscience into practical, human-centered guidance for professionals and organizations.
Personal Mission
To make high-quality stress science understandable and usable — so people can better interpret their stress, regain a sense of agency, and contribute to workplaces where pressure is more manageable and collaboration is healthier.
Connect with Erwin through the Stressinsight Community or book a consultancy session to explore tailored support. You can also reach out through the contact page.
Media citations: see Media & Citations.
