In our series of 'Meet the AMS scientist', we shine the light on outstanding AMS researchers and dive into their background, what drives them, what their work brings them and what they bring to their work. These interviews are also shared on the AMS LinkedIn account, feel free to share within your network!
For Pablo, research is not just about generating numbers, it is about making sure people can continue doing their work safely and effectively. As a movement scientist working with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, his research focuses on what is known as operational readiness: ensuring that personnel remain healthy, capable, and prepared to perform their duties over time.
Within such an organization, that question turns out to be remarkably complex. Operational readiness involves many different factors, ranging from physical demands and health monitoring to the effects of equipment and clothing on heat regulation. It also includes mental aspects such as maintaining focus during long shifts or repetitive tasks. The work of the Marechaussee is diverse, and so are the challenges that come with it. For Pablo, this diversity is one of the most interesting aspects of his research.
In today’s geopolitical climate, the relevance of this work has only increased. As defence organizations across Europe prepare for greater operational readiness, they put effort into ensuring that personnel remain healthy and capable of performing their duties. Within this context, the research conducted by Pablo and his colleagues is not only academically relevant, but also highly practical. Because it is embedded directly within the organization and developed in close collaboration with the people who will use it, the findings can translate quickly into real-world improvements. This approach allows research to move beyond theory and create tangible impact on the health, performance, and long-term employability of personnel.
This shift has also changed how people within the organization view research. Early in his project, Pablo sometimes had to explain why monitoring health issues or collecting certain data was necessary. Today, there is a much clearer sense that preparation and prevention are essential.
The Marechaussee is a large and diverse organization with many different roles and responsibilities. Some positions are physically demanding, while others require long periods of concentration and vigilance. Because of this diversity, a one-size-fits-all approach to health and performance simply does not work. Instead, Pablo argues for a more individualized approach, one that considers a person’s health status, their specific tasks, and the operational goals they are preparing for. In the next phase of his work, Pablo will further develop this idea through a follow-up project, focusing on interventions that take this diversity into account.
Another distinctive aspect of Pablo’s work is the emphasis on implementation. Rather than repeatedly testing whether certain programs work, his team focuses on how existing evidence-based approaches can be successfully integrated into practice. In other words, the question is not only what works, but also what actually gets used. This way of working increases the impact of his research.
Pablo did not originally plan to become a researcher. Throughout his studies, his passion lay in sports, where he was actively involved in CrossFit and worked as a coach. This turned out to be a valuable preparation. Coaching people with different goals, abilities, and motivations taught him how to communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, an important skill when conducting research within a such large and diverse organization.
For now, Pablo will continue this work within the Marechaussee through a new three-year project. By combining scientific research with the realities of everyday operations, he aims to further develop individualized interventions that help personnel. In doing so, his research demonstrates how science can directly support the people who serve on the front lines of society.
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