Derya Demirçay

Derya Demirçay serves as a Lecturer at Avans University of Applied Sciences within the Welfare, Education and Health department and contributes to the Participatory Innovation in the Youth Landscape research group. Born in Ankara and currently residing in Antwerp, she began teaching during her doctoral studies and maintains an active dual role in education and research.

Her academic foundation includes a PhD focused on Dutch-Turkish immigrant language use. This research trajectory informs her expertise in cross-cultural communication and societal integration.

Derya's research centers on immigrant/refugee language patterns, social positioning, and youth inclusion mechanisms. She has led projects examining digital governance needs for 18-year-olds, participatory practices for vulnerable youth, and lived experiences of children with incarcerated parents. Her work consistently emphasizes practical applications for societal inclusion through innovative engagement frameworks.

As a core member of the Participatory Innovation in the Youth Landscape lectorate, she collaborates on initiatives that bridge academic research with community-based solutions for youth empowerment and social cohesion.