Shirley Oomens

Shirley Oomens is a Professor of Occupational Health and Safety at HAN University of Applied Sciences since 2016. Her work focuses on organizing inclusive labor markets, particularly supporting people with disabilities and mental health vulnerabilities to achieve sustainable employment. She holds a PhD in sociology and is also affiliated with Radboud University Medical Center as a lecturer in Primary Care Medicine (SGBO).

Education: Trained as a sociologist and methodologist, with a PhD focused on sociological determinants of mental health problems in the general population.

Research Interests:

• Return-to-work processes for vulnerable populations
• Employer support strategies for mental health
• Optimizing occupational therapy roles
• Social security system improvements
• Prevention of workplace absenteeism

Key Projects:

• Developing digital tools for occupational health professionals
• Long-term monitoring of job placements for disabled workers across three regions
• Enhancing employer capacity to retain employees with mental health challenges

Professional Roles:

• Member of AKC's Scientific Program Council
• Advisor to PSO-NL Expert Committee
• Editorial Board Member of TBV Journal

Teaching Involvement: Contributes to programs in Occupational Therapy, Human Resource Management, Social Work, Applied Psychology, Nursing, and Master's HR Management.

Special Lectorate: Leads the 'Arbeidsdeskundigheid' (Occupational Expertise) initiative focusing on sustainable labor participation and professional roles in reintegration processes.