Arno J. Akkermans

Arno J. Akkermans is a Full Professor in Liability Law at the Faculty of Law, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). He is also a Full Professor at the Amsterdam Law and Behavior Institute (A-LAB) and the Amsterdam Centre for Comprehensive Law (ACCL), where he serves as director. His work bridges law, psychology, and health, focusing on the human impact of legal processes.

His research interests include:

• Empirical Legal Studies
• Restorative Justice
• Tort and Compensation Law
• Victimology and Sexual Violence
• Interdisciplinary Law and Behavior
• Apology, Forgiveness, and Legal Healing
• Responsive and Human-Centered Legal Systems

Akkermans' recent publications (2023–2025) show a consistent focus on improving legal systems to better meet human needs. His work spans empirical evaluations of compensation laws, comparative studies on victims' rights in the EU, and innovations in restorative practices, particularly in traffic accidents and personal injury. He pioneers interdisciplinary methodologies and advocates for legal systems that prioritize emotional and psychological recovery alongside financial redress.

Scientific awards include:

• PIV Giraffe, de Letselschade Award van het Personenschade Instituut van Verzekeraars (PIV) (2010)

Akkermans has supervised 9 PhD theses and led significant research projects, such as the study on fair compensation for victims of sexual violence. He teaches courses in tort law, mediation, and restorative justice. He also serves on multiple advisory boards, including Slachtofferhulp Nederland and the Tijdschrift voor Vergoeding Personenschade, and is active in professional societies like the European Society for Empirical Legal Studies.

He leads the A-LAB and ACCL, interdisciplinary hubs integrating law, psychology, and medicine to transform legal practices through empirical research. These centers focus on developing responsive legal frameworks that acknowledge emotional, relational, and restorative dimensions of justice.