Dieuwke van der Poel

Dr. Dieuwke van der Poel serves as an Associate Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Humanities, holding dual appointments in the Department of Languages, Literature and Communication (TLC) and the Institute for Cultural Research (ICON). Her academic specialization centers on Dutch Literature before 1500, with particular expertise in late medieval song traditions encompassing both secular and sacred repertoires.

Dr. van der Poel's research interests span multiple dimensions of medieval culture. She specializes in Middle Dutch songs, cultural heritage preservation, and literary traditions of the Low Countries. Her scholarly work particularly emphasizes the intersection of song, spirituality, and gender in medieval contexts. She has made significant contributions to understanding the Antwerp Songbook and the works of Sister Bertken, a notable medieval figure from Utrecht. Her research methodology often combines traditional philological approaches with digital humanities techniques, as evidenced by her involvement in the Dutch Songs on Line project.

Her scholarly publications consistently examine the cultural, religious, and social contexts of medieval song. Recent works explore metrics in Middle Dutch literature, the evolution of Saint Martin songs across centuries, and individuality in devotional song and prayer. Her research demonstrates how medieval song traditions functioned as vehicles for religious expression, community formation, and identity construction, with implications for understanding cultural transmission across time.

• Major Research Projects:
  • "In Tune with Eternity; Song and Spirituality of the Modern Devotion" (NWO, Flemish-Dutch cooperation, 2012-2016)
  • Dutch Songs on Line (NWO project)
  • Chair, Project Committee for Medieval Collected Manuscripts in the Low Countries
• Academic Leadership:
  • Director of Education, TLC Graduate School (2017-2021)
  • Member, Veni assessment committee (NWO Innovational Research Incentives Scheme, 2011-2012)

Dr. van der Poel actively disseminates knowledge through numerous conference presentations, editorial work, and public engagement. Her media contributions include the 2023 educational resource "Smaakmakers: Middeleeuwse verhalen in beeld," the 2021 NRC article "Zingen in een land zonder grenzen," and recent 2025 appearances discussing "57 jaar wonen in een kluis" and "Suster Bertken." These efforts demonstrate her commitment to making medieval scholarship accessible to diverse audiences while maintaining rigorous academic standards.