Nico Randeraad

Dr. Nico Randeraad is an Extraordinary Professor and Director of the Centre for the Social History of Limburg (SHCL) at Maastricht University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. He holds a PhD from the European University Institute (1992) and has held academic positions at multiple Dutch and international institutions. His research focuses on 19th and 20th century European history, particularly the social history of governance, public administration, and regional landscapes. He teaches modules in European Studies and Arts & Culture, including a BA research course on the Meuse River's history and an Honors course on digital heritage.

His career includes co-directing the Netherlands Centre for Contemporary History (1999–2002) and directing SHCL since 2002. Randeraad's work bridges historical methodologies with digital humanities, emphasizing comparative analyses of Limburg's socio-economic and environmental history. Recent projects explore the social history of infrastructure (e.g., the Route impériale no. 3) and river management in Limburg. He actively participates in international research networks and has authored/co-edited over 50 books and articles.

Publications span topics like transnational social reform congresses, administrative history, and the integration of statistics into governance. His writing frequently addresses the intersection of history, policy, and cultural memory. Randeraad also supervises BA/MA theses and engages in public outreach through the SHCL, promoting the digitization and accessibility of historical archives.