Sjoerd van Alten

Sjoerd van Alten is a Researcher and PhD candidate at the Department of Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), within the School of Business and Economics. His research focuses on human capital formation, genoeconomics, and health economics, with particular attention to genetics' role in socioeconomic outcomes and health disparities.

Van Alten holds an MSc in Economics from the Tinbergen Institute (2019) and a BSc in Economics & Business Economics from Utrecht University (2017). He teaches courses including 'Quantitative Research Methods II' and 'Human Capital.' His work has been recognized through awards like the Charles J. Epstein Award (semifinalist) and an ODISSEI Microdata Access Grant.

His research addresses selection bias in genetic studies using large datasets like the UK Biobank, with articles in Nature Communications and International Journal of Epidemiology. Key themes include volunteer bias correction in GWAS, genetic determinants of socioeconomic status, and health-related economic behaviors. Media engagements include expert commentary on genetics and inequality for Dutch outlets.

• Grants: ODISSEI MAG (2021), Charles J. Epstein Award (2021)
• Media: 2 expert commentaries (2025)
• Courses: Quantitative Research Methods II (2024-2025)