Naomi Oosterman

Naomi Oosterman is an Assistant Professor of Cultural Heritage at the Department of Arts and Culture Studies, Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Erasmus University Rotterdam. She is also the Vice-President of Research Chapters of the Association of Critical Heritage Studies and leads a major LDE Global Initiative project on policing illicit cultural trade in Argentina. Her research bridges criminology, heritage studies, and decolonial theory, with a strong regional focus on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Education:

• PhD in Criminology, City, University of London (2014–2019)
• MA in Social Research, Goldsmiths, University of London (2014)
• MA in Arts and Culture Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam (2013)
• BA in Social Work, University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam (2010, cum laude)

Her research interests include the illicit trade of arts and antiquities, policing of heritage crimes, colonial and contested heritage, and decolonial approaches in museum studies. She has edited foundational volumes on the sociological and criminological study of art crime and is deeply involved in interdisciplinary efforts to understand and combat cultural property crime.

The most recent articles reflect a strong trend in decolonial heritage studies, empirical analysis of art theft impacts, and methodological innovation in qualitative research. Her work increasingly focuses on plural policing models, the role of indigenous communities, and the political dimensions of heritage protection. She contributes to both academic and public discourse through peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and media appearances.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• No formal awards listed, but recognized through invited talks, media contributions, and leadership roles in international scholarly associations.
• Member of the Executive Committee, Association of Critical Heritage Studies (since 2022)
• Vice-President of Research Chapters, Association of Critical Heritage Studies (since June 2024)
• Member, Illicit Trafficking Working Group, ICAHM (International Scientific Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management)

Naomi Oosterman actively supervises master's theses and contributes to academic training through course development, including the LDE minor Authenticity and Art Crime. She has consulted for the European Commission and other public organizations. Her current research is funded through the LDE Global Initiative, reflecting strong institutional support and interdisciplinary collaboration.

She is involved in the ERMeCHS research clusters Heritage & Identity and Global Futures, Colonial Pasts, and co-leads the Latin America and Caribbean research chapter within the Association of Critical Heritage Studies. Her work emphasizes collaborative, field-based research with diverse stakeholders including law enforcement, indigenous communities, and policymakers.