Aafke Fraaije is a postdoctoral researcher at the Section Ethics & Philosophy of Technology , Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management , Delft University of Technology. Her work bridges art, ethics, and technology through interdisciplinary approaches to citizen engagement and responsible innovation. Institution: Delft University of Technology School: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management Department: Section Ethics & Philosophy of Technology Academic Rank: Research Fellow Research Interests : Ethics of human-nature-technology relationships Art-based methods for public engagement with technology Participatory futuring in smart city development Inclusive approaches to technology governance Communication frameworks in clinical and engineering contexts Critical analysis of responsible research and innovation (RRI) Recent Research Trends : Her publications focus on using artistic practices (dance, theatre) to explore ethical implications of smart city technologies, developing frameworks for responsible innovation, and analyzing communication dynamics in high-stakes environments like surgery and robotics. Key themes include citizen participation in technological development, interdisciplinary methodologies, and ethical accountability across sectors.
Julia Cramer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Science Communication and Society at the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, with a joint affiliation at the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION). Her research focuses on the intersection of quantum science and technology with society, particularly through the lens of science communication, public engagement, and societal readiness. She leads the Quantum and Society research group and is actively involved in national and European initiatives on the Ethical, Legal, and Societal Aspects (ELSA) of quantum technology. PhD in Applied Physics, Delft University of Technology Member of the Dutch Physics Association (NNV) Co-founder of Women in Quantum Development (WIQD) Chair of the Young Academy Leiden (from 2023) Former member of the CBS communicatie-adviesraad Member of the Physics Scientific Advisory Board of the Lorentz Center Julia Cramer's research interests lie at the intersection of quantum technology and society. She investigates how quantum science is communicated to the public, how societal groups perceive quantum technologies, and how to foster inclusive and responsible innovation. Her work emphasizes broadening youth participation in STEM and enhancing diversity in quantum fields. She is passionate about making quantum accessible to non-expert audiences and ensuring that technological development aligns with societal values. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in science communication, public perception, and societal integration of quantum technologies. Themes include measuring public attitudes, designing effective outreach interventions, promoting diversity, and addressing ethical implications. The research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to assess communication strategies and societal impacts. Casimir Prize (during PhD) Recognized as one of the Faces of Science by KNAW Julia Cramer supervises several PhD candidates and is involved in mentoring early-career researchers. She has led initiatives such as the Women in Quantum Development (WIQD) and contributes to national science policy through advisory roles. Her research is supported by collaborations with Quantum Delta NL and other European networks focused on responsible quantum innovation. She leads the Quantum and Society research group, which focuses on content analysis of quantum communication, developing attitude measurement tools, and evaluating the impact of public engagement interventions. The group collaborates with physicists, social scientists, educators, and policymakers to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to quantum-society integration.
Dr. Sruti Bala is an Associate Professor of Theatre Studies at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities. Her research focuses on the intersections of theatre, politics, and social justice, particularly in contexts of colonialism, nonviolent resistance, and global asymmetries. She critically examines cultural practices, including protest performance, translation, and decolonial pedagogy. Bala is known for her analyses of the cultural sector's role in societal debates, such as the controversy surrounding Lenny Kuhr's concert and Israel-Palestine relations. Her work bridges academic theory and public discourse, emphasizing ethics, participatory art, and institutional critique. Her educational background and professional trajectory reflect a deep engagement with global theatre traditions and their socio-political dimensions. Bala frequently publishes in peer-reviewed journals and contributes to public intellectual debates through op-eds and media commentary. Her recent work includes studies on carceral states, academic freedom in India, and the legacy of colonial historiography. Key Research Areas: Nonviolent resistance, colonial theatre, performance activism, translation studies, decolonizing education Public Engagement: Op-eds on cultural politics, critiques of institutional complicity, and advocacy for ethical art practices
Dr. Saskia Peels-Matthey is a Senior Lecturer in Classics at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Arts, specializing in Ancient Greek religion, literature, and epigraphy. She holds MA degrees in English, Classics, and Linguistics from Leiden and Utrecht Universities, and a PhD in Classics from Utrecht University (2014). Her research integrates cognitive linguistics, digital humanities, and classical studies, notably through her NWO Veni project 'Polytheism as Language' exploring Greek divine semantics. She co-leads the open-access Collection of Greek Ritual Norms (CGRN) database and develops computational tools like AGILe lemmatizer. A board member of the Anchoring Innovation program, she also supervises interdisciplinary PhD projects blending classics with computational methods and climate communication. Her work spans semantic analysis of religious terms (e.g., hosios, hagnos), ritual innovations in inscriptions, and computational modeling of ancient Greek language evolution. Notable collaborations include organizing conferences on Artemis mythology and interdisciplinary workshops on ancient poetry's cognitive impact. She actively engages in public outreach through media appearances explaining classical studies' modern relevance.
Prof. Dr. Trudy Dehue holds a professorship at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, specializing in the Theory and History of Psychology. Her work critically examines the intersections of medical history, research methodologies, and ethical science communication. She has contributed significantly to understanding the historical development of randomized controlled trials and their societal implications. Her research spans topics like medicalization critiques, ADHD neurobiology, and abortion terminology history. Key achievements include receiving the Academy Medal (2019) and being elected to the Royal Holland Society of Sciences (2016). She has authored over 76 publications and participated in 85 professional activities including keynote addresses at major conferences. Her media engagements emphasize public science literacy, notably through appearances in Dutch media outlets discussing reproductive rights and mental health policy. Education Background: Not explicitly listed but inferred through academic career progression Grants & Funding: Implied through extensive research output but specifics not provided in text Her research interests emphasize critical historiography of psychological and medical practices, particularly focusing on how definitions and methodologies shape both science and society. Current projects include a book series on pregnancy history with poet Willemijn van de Walle.
Dr. Merel van Tilburg is an Assistant Professor of Art History (1800–present) at the University of Groningen's Department of History of Art, Architecture and Landscape within the Faculty of Arts. She holds a PhD from the University of Geneva and has held fellowships at institutions including the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florence and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in Paris. Her research focuses on global modernisms, interculturality, gender studies, and the history of colonialism, with a particular interest in textile art, exhibition theory, and the intersections of art with architecture and environment. She has co-edited the correspondence between Odilon Redon and Andries Bonger and sits on the advisory board of De Witte Raaf . Her work bridges academic scholarship with curatorial practice, emphasizing critical and de-hierarchizing approaches to art history. Education: PhD in Art History (University of Geneva, 2013), MA/BA in Art History, Philosophy, Literature, and Theatre Studies (University of Amsterdam). Key Awards: Swiss National Science Foundation Fellowships (2013–2017), Max Planck Institute Fellowship (2013). Roles: Co-editor-in-chief of the Odilon Redon correspondence project, scientific advisor for the Musée Rath exhibition Nightfall (2016–2017). Her recent publications include reviews in De Witte Raaf and chapters on topics like 'The Carpet Paradigm' in modern art and gender in Bauhaus legacy. She actively contributes to exhibitions, curatorial debates, and interdisciplinary dialogues on art's societal role.
Marian Counihan is an Assistant Professor at the University College Groningen, part of the University of Groningen, where she serves as Director of Academic Staff in the Department of Humanities. Her work bridges urban studies, philosophy, and transdisciplinary education. She currently chairs the Board of Examiners at UCG (since 2018) and contributes to advisory roles like Noorderzon & Society. Her research focuses on urban politics, international student activism, and environmental representation through innovative methods like theatre-based learning. She co-leads projects such as 'Acting UP!' and collaborates on initiatives like 'Cities for Talent,' exploring how medium-sized European cities attract global talent. Ancillary activities include research with Maieutic and freelance work. Research interests emphasize sociocultural capital's impact on political engagement, particularly among international students, and the role of performative methods in civic discourse. She has published in journals like International Higher Education and edited volumes on urban philosophy. Her work often intersects with spatial politics, environmental advocacy, and educational innovation. Collaborations include projects with scholars like Wim van Winden (talent cities) and Marijn Wilders (theatre methodologies). Awards: No specific scientific awards listed. Grants and funding details not explicitly stated in provided texts. Advising: No listed advisees, but collaborates extensively on research teams. Lab/Team: Associated with University College Groningen's Humanities Department research groups focused on urban studies and transdisciplinary methods.
Anika Marschall is Assistant Professor in Media and Performance Studies at Utrecht University, Netherlands. She previously held a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Aarhus University (2020-2022) and worked as Assistant Lecturer at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh. She received her PhD from the University of Glasgow with an AHRC fellowship. Current affiliations Utrecht University: Assistant Professor (Department of Media and Culture Studies) Co-coordinates MA Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy Teaches BA Media and Culture program Her research focuses on theatre's role in addressing migration, asylum, and human rights through socially engaged artistic practices. Key areas include: Racial, gender, and class intersections in European performance Institutional diversity and representation Decolonial knowledge production Collaborative networks like Critical Race Performance Studies (PSi) and Political Performances (IFTR) 2023 monograph Performing Human Rights analyzes works by Tania Bruguera, Centre for Political Beauty, and Jonas Staal. Her article trends examine: Refugee crisis interventions Decolonial archival practices Urban solidarity through performance Forensic aesthetics Postmigrant theatre Academic institutional critique Scientific contributions: AHRC Fellowship (PhD level) Co-editor of Class Acts: Material Relations in Theatre and Performance (Methuen 2023) Co-author of Intersectional Theatre Practices textbook (Cambridge UP 2023) As educator, she advocates: bell hooks/Paolo Freire-inspired pedagogy Critical analysis of 'whiteness' in theatre Somatic and cognitive learning integration Dramaturgical sensitivity development Network leadership: Co-founder of New Critical Theatre Studies network Developing peer-reviewed Intersectional Theatre Review journal Provides intersectional tools/tutorials for institutions
Dick Zijp is an Assistant Professor in Heritage of the Dutch Performing Arts at Utrecht University's Department of Media and Culture Studies. He teaches in the Bachelor Media and Culture program, Master Contemporary Theatre, Dance and Dramaturgy, and Master Arts & Society. Specializes in politics and aesthetics of humor (1966–present) PhD thesis (2023) awarded Christie Davies Award Postdoctoral work at KU Leuven on European humor controversies Research Focus : Explores humor's role in public sphere politics, ideological framing in cabaret, and socio-cultural implications of stand-up comedy. Key themes: transgressive humor, cultural memory, and neoliberal critiques in academic contexts. Academic Trends : Recent work examines comic personas (Burnham, Gadsby), heritage documentation (Lurelei cabaret, Showponies 2), and political polarization in comedy. Publications span journals like European Journal of Humor Research and edited volumes on cultural preservation. Honors : Christie Davies Award (2023) Nominated for Boekman Dissertatieprijs (2024) Public Engagement : Regular contributor to De Groene Amsterdammer , NRC , and Theaterkrant.nl . Serves on Nederlands Theater Festival's Cabaret Collectie selection committee since 2023.
Ivo Blom is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Arts & Culture at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, within the Faculty of Humanities. His research focuses on early Italian cinema, silent film, and the intersections of film with visual arts and classical antiquity. He coordinates the Master's program in Comparative Arts & Media Studies and is a member of several prestigious research networks including RMeS, CLUE, and the Huizinga Instituut. Education : PhD in Film History (University of Amsterdam, 2000) Bachelor's and Master's degrees in related disciplines Research Interests : Film history, intermediality, silent cinema, Italian film, film and architecture, museum studies, and the reception of classical antiquity in cinema. Awards : Dr. Blok Stipendium (2007) NIAS Individual Fellowship (2021–2022) Grants & Projects : Co-Investigator in the AHRC-funded 'Museum of Dreams' project (2023–2026) exploring silent films on classical antiquity in the BFI archive. Labs/Teams : Collaborates with Eye Filmmuseum, UCL, and other institutions on projects like the 'Museum of Dreams' and exhibitions such as 'Enfin le cinéma!' at Musée d'Orsay.
Kristine Steenbergh is an Associate Professor of English Literature at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. She holds dual affiliations with the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute and the Environmental Humanities Center, which she co-founded. Her research focuses on early modern literature, the history of emotions, ecocriticism, and environmental humanities, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to Anthropocene challenges. She is also a co-director of the Amsterdam Centre for Cross-Disciplinary Emotions and Sensory Studies (ACCESS), exploring the cultural dimensions of emotions. Steenbergh's work bridges literary analysis with environmental and cultural studies, addressing themes such as compassion in early modern contexts, human-environment interactions, and gendered emotion. She has authored and edited influential works, including Compassion in Early Modern Literature and Culture (2021) and contributed to Esprit Créateur and Cultural History . Her academic service includes editorial roles and leadership in initiatives like the Dutch Research School for Literary Studies (OSL). Her awards include membership in De Jonge Akademie (KNAW), recognizing her contributions to interdisciplinary research. Steenbergh teaches courses ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary ecocritical theory, emphasizing early modern literature's relevance to modern environmental debates. Her activities include organizing conferences, public lectures, and interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex cultural and ecological issues.
Lieke Stelling is an Associate Professor at Utrecht University , affiliated with the Department of Languages, Literature and Communication and the Institute for Cultural Inquiry . As Director of Education for English, she bridges academic leadership with research in early modern literature. Specializes in Shakespeare and Early Modern Cultural History Focuses on Europe's literary identity and humor's role in religious conflict Her research spans two major funded projects: 2022-2027 : NWO Vidi grant for Discovering Europe in the Early Modern Period , examining how fiction shaped European identity through multilingualism and urban symbolism 2017-2021 : NWO Veni grant for Faith in Jest , analyzing humor's function in Reformation-era literature Recent publications explore: 2024 : Humor in The Merry Wives of Windsor and literary responses to European integration crises 2022 : Digital humanities project MacBERTh creating historical language models Awarded: NWO Veni/Vidi grants Huntington Library Fellowship Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship Collaborates with: Prof. Els Stronks (Utrecht) Dr. Lauren Fonteyn (Leiden) Flatland Agency (design thinking)
E. (Eleftheria) Ioannidou is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Arts and Film Studies department. She holds an Early-Career Associate position at the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama (APGRD) in Oxford and serves on the Advisory Board of the Journal of Greek Media and Culture. Her academic journey includes a BA from the University of Athens (Theatre Theory), an MRes from Royal Holloway, University of London, and a PhD in Classics from Oxford. Previously, she was a Humboldt Fellow at Freie Universität Berlin and a lecturer at the University of Birmingham, UK. Education: Bachelor of Arts (Theatre Theory and History), University of Athens MRes in Theatre Studies, Royal Holloway, University of London Doctor of Philosophy (Classics), University of Oxford Her research focuses on the reception and performance of Greek tragedy in the 20th century, particularly under fascist regimes in Germany, Italy, and Greece. She explores how classical theatre reinforced national and political ideologies, including collaborations with institutions like the APGRD and the University of Trento. Recent projects include analyzing classical embodiment in fascist Italy and Germany, and the role of theatre festivals in cultural politics. Her publications span academic journals like Classical Receptions Journal and Fascism , covering topics such as classical antiquity's performance under fascism, Greek identity during the pandemic, and postmodern adaptations of tragedy. She actively participates in interdisciplinary networks, such as a conference on 'Classics and the Spectacular under Fascism' (Oxford, 2019). Ioannidou teaches courses on performance mediality, theatre festivals, and classical myths in modern contexts at the University of Groningen. She welcomes PhD proposals on topics like tragic adaptation, theatre festivals, and the intersection of theatre with national identity or fascism. Her collaborative projects include a network exploring Italian fascist media cultures and a co-edited volume on Greek theatre under Mussolini. These efforts highlight her commitment to bridging classical studies with modern political and cultural analysis.
Dr. Evelyn Wan is an Assistant Professor in Media, Arts, and Society at Utrecht University’s Department of Media and Culture Studies. She serves as Programme Coordinator for the MA Arts and Society program, teaches courses on contemporary performance practice, cultural theory, and research methodologies, and contributes to interdisciplinary curriculum innovation in Humane AI. Her research bridges decolonial media studies, performance studies, and AI ethics, weaving alternative genealogies between historical technologies and contemporary AI. Education Research MA Media and Performance Studies (cum laude, Utrecht University, 2014) MA Gender Studies (cum laude, Utrecht University, 2011) Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws, First Class Honours, University of Hong Kong) Wan’s research explores the ethics of technology through decolonial and gendered lenses, focusing on algorithmic violence, posthuman spirituality, and the necropolitics of digital culture. She combines artistic practice with scholarly inquiry, staging performances that interrogate AI, maritime histories, and mythologies. Her recent publications span topics including AI imaginaries, spectral care methods, and decolonial AI ethics, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach. These works intersect with her creative projects like Archaeologies of AI and Beyond the Shore , which employ inter-Asian ocean histories, gender studies, and religious studies frameworks. Scientific Awards Praemium Erasmianum Foundation Dissertation Prize (2019) Wan’s advisory roles include serving on the Board of Directors for Performance Studies international (PSi) and founding the PSi Future Advisory Board (2014–2019). She integrates artistic practice with academia as a founding member of Hong Kong’s If Time’s Limited artist collective, funded by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council and Hong Kong Arts Centre.
Rotterdam University of Applied SciencesNetherlands
Dr. Mieke Cardol serves as a Lecturer in Disability Studies at the Healthcare Innovation Knowledge Center of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences' Institute for Healthcare. With a PhD from the University of Amsterdam (2001) and background as an occupational therapist, she focuses on creating equal opportunities, participation, and belonging for people with disabilities in diverse society. Her work centers on the individual's interaction with various contexts (family, healthcare, society) with consistent collaboration with stakeholders. Mieke Cardol operates from an emancipatory perspective, challenging traditional power dynamics where people with chronic conditions were talked about rather than with . Her research explores how 'disability' is constantly reconstructed, emphasizing experiential knowledge and perspectives. Drawing inspiration from Disability Studies and philosopher Gilles Deleuze, she examines participation beyond mere 'joining in' to encompass shifting agency, open dialogue, and situationally determined interactions. Central to her work is the 'HOW' of participation, which she views as constantly redefined in relation to contexts and people. Her publication portfolio reveals strong thematic consistency across disability studies, with particular focus on autonomy, identity reconstruction (especially post-stroke aphasia), inclusive practices across healthcare and theater, aging with disabilities, and participatory research methodologies. The development of 'My Path' method represents a significant contribution to strengthening relational autonomy for youth with complex needs. Her work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications across multiple domains including healthcare, education, housing, and the arts. As an educator, Cardol contributes to professional development through expert teams, participates in curriculum councils, and supervises bachelor's and master's students across various healthcare programs including Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Nursing. She developed the elective course 'Healthy and well with a disability; supporting from the perspective of autonomy and inclusion' to address the limited focus on intellectual disabilities in current healthcare education. Her research group collaborates extensively with interest groups (MIND, Ieder(in), LFB, ExpEx, Zorgbelang), municipal organizations (Rotterdam, Rotterdam Unlimited), healthcare providers (Pameijer, ASVZ, MIDDIN, GGZ Delfland), other universities of applied sciences, and research platforms like Patient Stories. This network demonstrates her commitment to translating research into practice through diverse partnerships that strengthen the connection between education, research, and societal impact.
