Hilde Bras

Hilde Bras is the Aletta Jacobs Professor and Chair of Economic and Social History at the University of Groningen, where she leads research on Global Demography and Health. Her work bridges historical demography, social inequalities, and public health, with a geographic focus spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa. She earned her Master’s (hons) in American Studies from the University of Groningen (1993) and a PhD in Sociology from Utrecht University (2002).

Bras’s research examines fertility transitions, family influences on demographic change, and adolescent health disparities. Key projects include the NWO-funded VIDI initiative (2011–2016) analyzing European fertility decline and ongoing comparative studies of women’s reproductive careers across continents. Her publications frequently address:

• Historical determinants of fertility and marriage patterns
• Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in nutrition/health
• Cross-cultural analysis of demographic transitions

She maintains active collaborations through publications in top-tier journals and international research networks. Contact her via email (h.a.j.bras@rug.nl) or phone (+31683082001).