Margit van Wessel

Margit van Wessel serves as Associate Professor in Strategic Communication at Wageningen University & Research's Social Sciences Group. Her academic career demonstrates deep engagement with civil society organizations across multiple international contexts including India, Uganda, and the UK, with particular focus on advocacy mechanisms and civic space dynamics.

Her research interests center on civil society studies, with specific expertise in narrative approaches to advocacy, gender mainstreaming in climate change policy, and the role of faith-based organizations in political contexts. Her work frequently examines how marginalized groups navigate complex power structures and institutional frameworks to effect social change.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on civil society marginalization processes, particularly in Indian contexts, alongside growing attention to climate change adaptation policies in East Africa. Her research consistently bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy implications, demonstrating commitment to actionable scholarship.

Her scientific contributions include significant collaborations with Dutch governmental bodies, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she served on committees through 2025. She has supervised multiple PhD candidates working on topics including gender inclusion in climate adaptation and youth issues in post-conflict settings.

Professor van Wessel maintains active research collaborations through projects like 'Communication, contestation and cooperation' and serves as co-promotor for doctoral research examining food production debates and climate smart agriculture practices in developing contexts.