Dienke Hondius

Dienke Hondius is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Network Institute. Her work bridges academic research and public engagement, focusing on the history of slavery, racial relations, and Holocaust memory in Europe.

Her research interests include the Dutch colonial past, Black European history, oral history, and public history. She explores how marginalized voices are remembered or excluded in national narratives, particularly in the Netherlands. Her work emphasizes the importance of personal testimonies and digital platforms in preserving and disseminating difficult histories.

The trends in her recent publications show a strong commitment to public history and education, with a focus on digital projects such as the Mapping Slavery and Mapping Hiding Places initiatives. These works combine historical research with innovative outreach, using web platforms, webinars, and lectures to engage students, educators, and the public. Her scholarship spans Holocaust memory, racial identity, and colonial legacies, often highlighting transnational connections and the lived experiences of survivors and descendants.

She has supervised multiple PhD theses and is actively involved in research projects that connect academic inquiry with societal impact. Her work is frequently featured in media and public discussions, reflecting her role as a public intellectual.

• Affiliation: Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• Affiliation: Network Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
• Project: Mapping Slavery Research Project
• Project: Mapping Hiding Places

Her scientific contributions are widely recognized through public engagement, though specific formal awards are not listed in the provided text. She plays a key role in bridging academic research with education and policy, particularly in Holocaust and slavery education.