Marcel Bastiaansen obtained a master in Experimental Psychology (1996) and a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience (cum laude) in 2000, both from Tilburg University. Since 2021 Marcel is a full professor of Leisure and Tourism Experience at BUas and at Tilburg University. At Tilburg University, he is affiliated with the department of Cognitive Neuropsychology of the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences.
Marcel is the co-founder and director of BUas' Experience Lab, which houses a range of innovative research facilities for objective, biologically-based measurements of visitor experiences and emotions. He leads a research team that studies leisure and tourism experiences, and how these related to subjective well-being and quality of life.
Marcel is also a member of the management team of BUas' Academy for Leisure and Events. Marcel teaches courses in BUas' scientific educational programs (BSc Leisure Studies, BSc Tourism, MSc Leisure and Tourism) on the Psychology of Leisure, on Experience Research and Design, and quantitative research methods.