Michiel Bouman

Michiel Bouman is a PhD Candidate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Religious Beliefs and Ethics department. His research explores the theoretical and practical relationship between theology and religious studies, focusing on case studies from Northwestern European universities like KU Leuven and King’s College London. Supervised by Prof. Dr. Gijsbert van den Brink, Dr. Klaas Bom, and Prof. Dr. Matthias Smalbrugge, his work contributes to the broader project The Future of Academic Theology.

• Education
  • Research Master in Theology and Religious Studies (Cum Laude), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2020–2022)
• Research Interests
  • Interdisciplinary integration of theology and religious studies
  • Fieldwork methodology in academic theological research
  • Spirituality and spiritual intelligence in contemporary academia
  • Philosophical critiques of liberal intellectual frameworks
  • Neuroscience and mental health in religious discourse
• Scientific Awards
  • Faculty Prize, Faculty of Religion and Theology, VU Amsterdam (2023)
  • Jan Brouwer Thesis Prize (2023–2024)
  • ESSSAT Student Prize (Second Place, 2023–2024)
• Ancillary Activities
  • Board Member, Vereniging Voor Theologie (2022–2026)
  • Junior Council Member, NOSTER (2024–2026)