Hilde Harmsen

Hilde Harmsen is an external PhD candidate and lecturer (docent-promovendus) at the Department of History, Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Erasmus University Rotterdam. Her academic work bridges historical research and cultural analysis, with a focus on children's literature and technological representation during the Cold War era.

Research Interests: Her work explores the intersection of technology, ideology, and education in post-war Dutch society. She investigates how children's books reflected societal anxieties and aspirations during the Cold War, particularly in the context of reconstruction, space exploration, and cultural identity. Her research connects to broader themes such as cultural heritage, science policy, and visual expressions of identity in conflict zones like Belfast.

The trends in her publications reveal a consistent focus on technology in Dutch children’s literature from 1945 to 1970, analyzing how narratives of progress, fear, and play were embedded in educational media. Her work spans non-fiction, aerospace themes, and societal expectations, positioning children’s literature as a lens into Cold War cultural dynamics.

Professional Background:

• MA in History of Society, Erasmus University Rotterdam
• MA in Human Geography, Utrecht University
• Former project officer in spatial planning and policy research for the National Advisor for Cultural Heritage
• Former policy maker, Municipality of Rotterdam

Teaching & Academic Role: As a lecturer and PhD candidate since 2011, she contributes to academic instruction and research at Erasmus University, aligning her work with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and sustainable communities.

Labs and Research Groups: While no formal lab or team is mentioned, her research is affiliated with the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, contributing to its interdisciplinary fingerprint in history, cultural studies, and science policy.