Fred van Lieburg

Prof. Fred van Lieburg is a Full Professor of Religious History at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, serving as Director of History Studies and Director of the HDC Centre for Religious History (affiliated with CLUE+ Research Institute). He holds a dual appointment at the Network Institute. His research bridges historical methodologies across religious studies, focusing on Christianity's role in cultural, social, and political contexts. He advocates for digital humanities approaches to religious history using digitized sources.

Education:

• BA/MA History, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam (1985-1990)
• PhD History, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1991-1996)

Research Interests: Late Medieval/early modern Protestant clergies, Synod of Dordrecht (1618-1619) contexts, Pietism/Revivalism (18-19th centuries), religious mobilization in 19th-20th century Netherlands, and contemporary Bible Belt dynamics. He emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and global historical perspectives.

Grants & Activities: Secured multiple NWO/KNAW grants. Engaged in ancillary roles including directorships at Stichting Het Reveil Archief, Interd. Zentrum für Pietismusforschung, and Protestantse Theologische Universiteit as Guest Professor (2025-present). Active in academic networks like the Dutch Biblebelt Network.

Labs/Teams: Leads HDC Centre for Religious History, collaborating with CLUE+ on heritage projects. Co-organized events like 'Netwerkdag Dutch Biblebelt Network' (2018).