Ben Crum

Prof. Ben Crum is a Full Professor of Political Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, leading the MSc in Political Science and co-directing the R&I Lab on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Governance. He holds a PhD from the European University Institute and has held visiting positions at Harvard and the University of Victoria. His research focuses on democratic politics, populism, digital governance, and EU integration. He has authored influential works like Learning from the EU Constitutional Treaty and co-edited volumes on parliamentary coordination and populist parties’ impact on democracy. Crum has led major EU-funded projects such as the RECONNECT initiative and advised governments and political parties. His ancillary activity includes a guest researcher role at the Jacques Delors Center in Berlin (2025).

• Education: Political Science degrees from UvA and LSE; PhD from EUI Florence
• Key roles: Director of VU School of Governance (2019–2021), Co-Director of Amsterdam Centre for Contemporary European Studies (2014–2016)
• Research grants include NWO-funded PhD programs and leadership in FP6 and H2020 projects

His work addresses EU democracy challenges, including constitutional reform, transnational accountability, and digital governance. Recent articles explore EU parliamentary dynamics, Spitzenkandidaten reforms, and populist parties’ effects on democratic pluralism. Crum regularly contributes expert commentary in media and policy circles.