Frans Spierings

Dr. Frans Spierings serves as a Lecturer at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences in the field of Growing Up in the City and directs the Knowledge Centre for Talent Development. His work focuses on supporting professionals who work with children and young people in urban environments, addressing challenges related to inequality, mental health, and educational participation.

Dr. Spierings received his PhD in 1996 from Erasmus University Rotterdam as a sociologist and methodologist of social science research. His dissertation was titled "Op eigen kracht - een onderzoek naar de Dagelijks levens van horecaden" (On Your Own Strength - A Study of the Daily Life of Housing Residents).

His research interests primarily center around social work, urban sociology, and youth development in city environments. He has extensively studied how professionals can better support young people facing challenges such as mental health issues, poverty, and educational barriers. His work emphasizes socioprudence in social work practice, recognizing the importance of social context in professional decision-making. He has developed concepts relevant to strengthening professional practice through research with (experienced) young people, focusing on "best practices" in the region.

Dr. Spierings has been involved in numerous research projects through the Knowledge Centre for Talent Development, including Koplopers (supporting young people with mental health issues), Stay on Track (improving school return for youth in out-of-home placement), and Youngins (creating brave spaces for vulnerable youth). His research often takes a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to issues surrounding youth development in urban environments.

Among his professional activities, Dr. Spierings serves as:

• Chair of the Complaints Committee Youth Protection Rotterdam Rijnmond
• Member of the national scientific council of the Platform for Social Work Lecturers
• Member of the Board of the Management Foundation Chair of Learning Environment and Careers at the Open University
• ZonMW Project Proposal Reviewer

Dr. Spierings has collaborated with numerous organizations across the youth care chain, including schools, healthcare providers, and social welfare organizations. His work often focuses on building connections between different disciplines to create integrated approaches to supporting young people in urban environments.