Pearl Dykstra

Pearl Dykstra is a Full Professor of Empirical Sociology at Erasmus University Rotterdam since 2009. Her work focuses on life course sociology, family dynamics, and aging societies, with significant contributions to intergenerational relations and demographic changes in Europe.

• Erasmus University Rotterdam (2009–present)
• Member, High Level Group of Scientific Advisers to the European Commission (2015)
• Vice President, Netherlands Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences (2011–2016)
• Chair in Kinship Demography, Utrecht University (2002–2009)

Dykstra's research explores:

• Intergenerational family ties and solidarity
• Loneliness and social support in aging populations
• Demographic shifts in marriage, divorce, and childlessness
• Structuration of the life course and temporal family dynamics
• Substitution of public care by familial networks

Her publications span empirical sociology, demography, and gerontology, with a focus on European aging societies and family support systems. Recent works examine evolving family relationships and care networks in later life.

Scientific honors include:

• ERC Advanced Investigator Grant (2013)
• Fellow, Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study (NIAS) (2002–2003, 2009)
• Elected Member, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2004)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (1980, 1981)
• Elected Fellow, Gerontological Society of America (2010)

Dykstra has served as a scientific adviser to the European Commission and contributed to major demographic research projects across Europe.