Thomas Mattijssen

Thomas Mattijssen is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in the Blue & Green Economy. His work focuses on citizen participation in sustainability transitions, urban green infrastructure governance, and nature conservation policy. He has led multiple projects, including the EU-funded FOSTER initiative and WOT research on environmental indicators. His research emphasizes the role of civil society, NGOs, and volunteer networks in achieving ecological and societal goals.

Key research interests include the dynamics of community-driven environmental initiatives, policy legitimacy, and the scalability of urban sustainability innovations. He co-authored influential studies on citizen engagement in food systems, nature-inclusive urban development, and real estate sector practices.

Dr. Mattijssen has received the 'Third Prize for Best Presentation' in 2016 and contributed to over 95 publications. He actively collaborates with governmental bodies (e.g., Rijk and provinces) and advises on nature policy evaluations. His work bridges academic research with practical applications, fostering dialogue between policymakers, citizens, and industry stakeholders.

Notable projects include:

• FOSTER (mission-oriented innovation governance)
• Nature-inclusive urban development studies
• Monitoring citizen engagement in environmental policy

He supervises PhD candidates, including E.T.M. Giesbers, and leads interdisciplinary teams addressing urban biodiversity, participatory planning, and policy implementation challenges.