Friso van Houdt

Friso van Houdt is a Senior Lecturer in Political Philosophy & Critical Theory at Erasmus University College Rotterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), and affiliated with the Department of Humanities at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences. He serves as Academic Director of the Erasmus Honours Programme, leading the interdisciplinary 'Grand Challenges: Sustainability' track for high-achieving students across EUR faculties. He is also a researcher at the NWA/NWO-funded Elsa Lab AIMAPS, focusing on the ethical, legal, and societal aspects of artificial intelligence and surveillance.

Research Interests:

• Political Philosophy and Critical Theory
• Genealogy of Neoliberalism
• AI Ethics and Surveillance in Public Spaces
• Smart Cities and Democratic Governance
• Criminology and Social Philosophy
• UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

His recent research explores the societal implications of AI, particularly in urban contexts and conflict zones, as seen in his 2024 publications on Gaza as an AI laboratory and surveillance in Dutch smart cities. His work bridges philosophy, sociology, and technology policy.

Scientific Awards:

• Best Article 2013: 'A Genealogy of Neoliberal Communitarianism'
• Teacher of the Year 2013-14
• Teacher of the Year 2012-13

Friso van Houdt has contributed to academic discourse through multiple peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and public presentations. He has served as editor for Beleid & Maatschappij and peer-reviewed for academic journals. His teaching excellence has been recognized institutionally, and he coordinates the Humanities major in Political Philosophy and Critical Theory.

He is actively involved in the Elsa Lab AIMAPS, a multidisciplinary research initiative examining AI and surveillance through ethical and societal lenses. His work is frequently cited in policy discussions and has been featured in news outlets and academic platforms like Mendeley.