Mohamed Ajouaou is an Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Religion and Theology, specializing in Religious Beliefs and Ethics. His research examines Islamic theology within contemporary European contexts. Research focuses on Islamic spiritual care practices, theological ethics in healthcare, and Muslim community dynamics in the Netherlands. Recent publications investigate vaccination ethics during pandemics and pedagogical approaches to religious literacy. Analysis of publications reveals strong emphasis on practical theology, Muslim identity in secular societies, and ethical frameworks for community engagement. No specific awards documented. Teaching includes the graduate course 'Islamitische theologie/Kalam' (Islamic Theology). Leads projects like 'Professionaliseringsprogramma Imams in Nederland 3' focusing on clergy education reform. Frequently contributes expert commentary on Islamic practices in Dutch media regarding fasting, conversion narratives, and religious education policy.
Dr. Katharina Bauer is Associate Professor of Practical Philosophy at Erasmus School of Philosophy, Erasmus University Rotterdam. She obtained her doctorate summa cum laude and completed her habilitation on theories of practical necessity. Previously a Feodor-Lynen Fellow at Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and Goethe Universität Frankfurt, she bridges continental philosophy with contemporary societal challenges. Her research investigates the impact of technological and ecological transformations on moral agency, focusing on dignity, authenticity, and autonomy. Key areas include: Ethical implications of human enhancement technologies Technomoral resilience in education systems Democratic hope in crisis contexts Phenomenological approaches to personal identity Publications since 2021 demonstrate sustained focus on pandemic ethics, democratic theory, and moral education, with increasing emphasis on sociotechnical systems and collective agency. Awards include the prestigious Feodor-Lynen Fellowship for Experienced Researchers from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. She chairs the Dutch Association of Ethicists and leads PhD supervision in moral philosophy and phenomenology.
Zoë Robaey is an Assistant Professor in Ethics of Technology at Wageningen University’s Philosophy Group. Her work focuses on moral responsibility in uncertain technological contexts, particularly in biotechnology and agriculture. She holds a PhD from Delft University of Technology (2017) and prior roles include postdoctoral research at Delft and work at the Rathenau Institute. She currently serves on the Management Team of the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology, is an Associate Editor at Science and Engineering Ethics , and actively advises on synthetic biology competitions like iGEM. Her research integrates conceptual ethics with empirical studies, addressing challenges like GMO ownership, inclusive biobased innovations, and biomimetic design. Awards include a VENI Grant (2019) and recognition in the 'Young Philosophers' program (2017). She engages widely in public debates on agriculture and technology through platforms like Pakhuis de Zwijger. Education: BA Biology (University of Ottawa, 2007), MA Science and Technology Studies (Maastricht University, 2008), MA Public Policy (Hertie School of Governance, 2011). Research interests span ethical governance of emerging technologies, responsible innovation frameworks, and the intersection of biotechnology with societal values. Recent work explores biomimetic ethics, climate change education, and safe-by-design approaches in synthetic biology. Grants include the VENI Grant (2019) supporting her work on virtues in innovation. She has advised the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and collaborates internationally on projects like the Inclusive Biobased Innovations initiative (2017–2019). Labs/Teams: Active in the 4TU Centre for Ethics and Technology, contributing to interdisciplinary ethics research networks. Teaches courses on ethics of food systems, synthetic biology, and molecular life sciences.
Britta van Beers is a Full Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, holding positions in Legal Theory and Legal History within the Faculty of Law, as well as affiliations with the Kooijmans Institute, Law & Technology, and Boundaries of Law. Her research focuses on intersections between law, emerging technologies, bioethics, and human rights. She has authored over 70 publications since 2015, addressing topics like CRISPR governance, surrogacy regulation, and legal personhood in the age of biotechnology. Awarded multiple grants and prizes (specifics unspecified) Supervised 2 PhD theses Edited volumes on personalized medicine ethics and symbolic legislation Her work critically examines technological innovations' impact on legal frameworks, particularly in genetics, artificial intelligence, and reproductive technologies. Recent projects include analyzing human germline modification dialogues and ethical challenges in accessing biobanks for forensic purposes. Key contributions include redefining legal personhood in the context of posthuman technologies and advocating for explicit goals in public dialogues about gene editing. She frequently engages with policymakers, as seen in her contributions to Dutch parliamentary discussions on embryo law reforms.
Prof. dr. Willemijn Ruberg is a Full Professor of Cultural History of the Body at Utrecht University since 2025 and Head of the Cultural History group. She is affiliated with the Humanities Research Institute for History and Art History and serves on the editorial board of the Journal for the History of Knowledge . Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, law, forensic practices, and body history in modern Europe. Key Projects : Principal investigator for the ERC-funded FORCe project (2018-2024) on forensic practices in Europe (1930-2000). Leadership : Founded the Research Network for Culture, Law and the Body with Elwin Hofman. Research Interests include: Cultural History of Bodily Integrity Rights (19th-21st Century) Gender and Forensic Expertise History of Medical Jurisprudence Emotions in Legal Contexts Material Turn in Humanities Recent Publications span edited volumes and articles on forensic cultures, bodily integrity, and gender in legal history. She has contributed to Law and History Review , Gender and History , and History of Psychiatry . Scientific Awards : ERC Consolidator Grant (2018) Praemium Erasmianum (2025) as co-promotor Aspasia Grants (2014, 2015) DAAD Scholarship (2003) Supervision includes PhD students on topics ranging from queer bar heritage to forensic psychiatry and Roman borderlands. She serves on doctoral committees at Ghent and KU Leuven. Additional Roles : Coordinating editor for the International Journal for History, Culture and Modernity (2012-2016), current board member of Huizinga Institute.
Looi van Kessel serves as Assistant Professor in Literary Studies and Gender Studies at Leiden University, affiliated with the Leiden University Centre for the Arts in Society (LUCAS) and the Department of Film and Literary Studies. He coordinates the minor program 'Gender and Sexuality in Society and Culture' and chairs both the Curriculum Committee and the Leiden University LGBT+ Network, where he advocates for equal treatment of LGBTQIA+ staff and students. Van Kessel completed his PhD in 2019 with a dissertation examining melodrama and sexual identity in the works of American author James Purdy. His academic trajectory demonstrates a commitment to exploring literature's role in shaping and challenging societal understandings of gender and sexuality across different historical periods. His research spans three interconnected domains: LGBTQIA+ literary analysis focusing on authors James Purdy and Louis Couperus; AIDS epidemic literature examining how writing from this period functions as pedagogy for future generations; and contemporary drag culture analysis, particularly in response to rising anti-drag sentiment across Europe. His work consistently explores how literature creates space for alternative sexual identities and challenges rigid categorizations of gender and sexuality. As an educator committed to inclusive practices, Van Kessel researches democratizing pedagogies that recognize diverse student backgrounds and learning needs. He co-leads a project assessing the Film and Literary Studies curriculum at Leiden University to develop more inclusive teaching approaches that address not just course materials but also workload, teaching methods, and assessment formats. Van Kessel holds significant editorial positions as co-chief editor for Tijdschrift voor Genderstudies (Dutch Journal for Gender Studies) and editorial board member for Arabesken, the journal of the Louis Couperus Society. His public engagement includes regular contributions to media discussions on LGBTQIA+ issues, addressing topics from substance abuse in queer communities to the political challenges facing drag performers. His recent work demonstrates how academic research can directly inform contemporary social debates and policy discussions regarding LGBTQIA+ rights and representation.
Anna Puzio is a philosopher, theologian, and ethicist working at the University of Twente as part of the Netherlands-wide ESDiT Research Programme (Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies) . She also holds a visiting researcher position at the University of California, Berkeley, USA. Her research spans interdisciplinary intersections of technology, identity, and ethics, with a focus on humanoid robotics, medical technologies, and queer AI. Education: Doctorate in interdisciplinary philosophy at Munich School of Philosophy, focusing on transhumanist anthropology; prior studies in Catholic theology, German literature, and philosophy at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster and Hochschule für Philosophie Munich. Research Interests: Puzio specializes in technological anthropology , robot ethics , and environmental ethics , with additional work on transhumanism , new materialism , and religion-technology intersections . Her eco-relational approach to robot ethics emphasizes sustainable human-environment-technology interactions. Publication Trends: Recent work addresses AI's disruption of personhood , queer perspectives in healthcare technology , and ethics of religious robots , reflecting her commitment to socially relevant technological dilemmas. Scientific Awards: Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholarship for her doctoral program. Networks: Co-founder of the Network for Theology and AI , contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations in technology ethics.
Lotte Asveld is an Associate Professor at Delft University of Technology, specializing in the societal aspects of biotechnological innovations. Her work focuses on responsible innovation in biotechnology and synthetic biology, addressing moral, technical, and institutional uncertainties, integrating societal values into innovation trajectories, and analyzing actor responsibilities. Her research spans the bioeconomy, social sustainability, and risk governance. Key themes in her recent publications include: Responsible innovation frameworks and ethical education Inclusive design in biobased value chains Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) for justice in bioeconomy Safe-by-Design (SbD) principles and risk management Digital Sequence Information (DSI) equity and bioethics
Sabine Roeser is a Full Professor of Ethics at Delft University of Technology, working within the Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section at the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management. She has been with TU Delft since 2001 and has held several leadership positions including Head of the Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section (2015-2020), Head of Department of Values, Technology and Innovation (2021-2024), and Acting Dean of the Faculty of TPM (November 2024-April 2025). As one of six Principal Investigators in the NWO Gravitation project on 'Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies' (ESDiT), she co-leads the emotions and art lines of this major research initiative. Her educational background spans multiple disciplines, with degrees in painting (BA, Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts, 1994), philosophy (MA, University of Amsterdam, cum laude 1997), political science (MA, University of Amsterdam 1998), and a PhD in metaethics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2002). During her PhD studies, she conducted research at the University of Notre Dame and University of Reading. Roeser's research focuses on the intersection of ethics, emotions, and technology, particularly in the context of risk assessment and decision-making. She has developed 'affectual intuitionism,' a metaethical theory combining ethical intuitionism with cognitive theories of emotions. Her work argues that emotions serve as forms of moral cognition that can alert us to ethically relevant aspects of risky technologies. She has published two monographs ( Moral Emotions and Intuitions , 2011; Risk, Technology and Moral Emotions , 2018) and co-edited eight books with major academic publishers. Her research spans multiple technological domains including nuclear energy, climate change, transportation, and public health. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the role of emotions in ethical decision-making, particularly in technological contexts. Her work increasingly explores how art can scaffold moral-emotional deliberation about risky technologies. She has made significant contributions to engineering ethics education, developing the 'Delft approach' that emphasizes problem-based learning and integration of ethical reflection throughout engineering curricula. More than 200 academic talks, mostly invited Over 100 interviews for popular media Member of various national and international policy advisory committees Former integrity officer of TU Delft (2018-2021) Chair of TU Delft's Human Research Ethics Committee (2014-2019) Roeser has secured competitive funding from organizations including NWO and the EU, leading multiple research projects and supervising numerous PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. She has played a key role in developing TU Delft's integrity policy and Code of Conduct. Her leadership has significantly grown both the Ethics and Philosophy of Technology Section and the Department of Values, Technology and Innovation.
Prof. Dr. Frans Brom is a leading academic in ethics of science and policy at Utrecht University's Ethics Institute , with a focus on Institutions for Open Societies . He combines academic research with strategic roles at institutions like the Rathenau Institute (2007-2015) and serves on multiple national/international ethics committees. Education PhD in Ethics (Utrecht University, 1997) Doctoral degrees in Ethics (Catholic Theological University Amsterdam) and Philosophy of Law (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) His research examines interactions between scientific, policy, and political rationalities in technology assessment, with particular interest in: Ethics of technology assessment Scientific integrity frameworks Animal biotechnology and welfare Trust in food/agricultural policy Science-based strategic advisory roles Democratic governance of emerging technologies Recent publications emphasize ethical dimensions in animal welfare policy , trust mechanisms in governance , and scenario planning for pandemics . He has organized major EU ethics forums and contributed to GMO policy frameworks. Key societal functions include: Chair of Wageningen University's Scientific Integrity Committee (2013-2015) Chair of Unilever's Central Research Ethics Advisory Group (2009-2015) Chair of COGEM's Subcommittee on Ethics and Social Aspects (2007-2015) Member of European ethics societies and editorial boards Brom actively bridges academic ethics research with practical policy advising through: Organizing political cafés on synthetic biology Participating in shale gas stakeholder discussions Developing ethical assessment frameworks for biotechnology Contributing to FAO expert meetings on food safety
Jo Dorscheidt is a University Lecturer at the Faculty of Law , University of Groningen. His research focuses on Health Law , with specializations in pediatric care ethics, children's rights in healthcare, and end-of-life decision-making. He has held significant roles as a former alternate-judge in the District Court of Groningen (2008–2018) and member of the Central Committee on Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (CCMO, 2010–2022). He co-founded the Centre for Children's Rights in Health Care within the Groningen Centre for Health Law (GCHL). His work bridges legal frameworks and medical practice, addressing issues such as minors' autonomy in life-and-death decisions, ethical dilemmas in neonatal care, and reproductive technology regulations. Notable contributions include analyses of euthanasia law for minors and evaluations of the Dutch Donor Data Act for Artificial Fertilization. Key Professional Roles: Former member of the Dutch Health Council's Ethics & Law Committee (2013–2019) Former board member of the Dutch Health Law Association (2006–2014) Member of the Medical-Ethical Review Committee at UMCG (2001–2010) Research Interests: Legal aspects of pediatric end-of-life care Ethics of medical research involving children Reproductive law and children's rights Policy analysis in healthcare governance His publications span academic journals and reports, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to safeguarding children’s rights and advancing healthcare ethics in legal contexts.
Prof. W.F.G. Haselager is a Professor of Artificial Intelligence at Radboud University Nijmegen, affiliated with the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and the Donders Centre for Cognition. He holds dual expertise in philosophy, psychology, and AI, focusing on societal implications of emerging technologies. His research integrates empirical methods (e.g., robotics, computational modeling) with philosophical inquiry into agency, responsibility, and human self-understanding. Education: MSc degrees in Philosophy and Psychology, PhD (1995) from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Teaching responsibilities include bachelor/master programs in AI and Cognitive Neuroscience. Active in public engagement through lectures/workshops on AI ethics, neurotechnology, and free will. Key research themes include neuroethics, AI equity, and brain-computer interfacing. Current projects include the ELSA Lab (AI for Health Equity) and 'Healthy Data' initiatives addressing algorithmic bias and medical AI oversight. He advises Zander Labs on neurotechnology ethics and co-leads multi-institutional grants exploring conversational AI and neurodiverse education. Media appearances include Dutch TV/NOS coverage of brain implants and podcasts on AI sentience. Ancillary activities include the 'Pim Haselager Lectures' series and advisory roles in neurotechnology ethics.
Rachel Ankeny is a Professor & Chair of Philosophy at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and holds honorary/affiliate roles at the University of Exeter and University of Adelaide. Her interdisciplinary work spans history/philosophy of life sciences, agricultural studies, bioethics, and science policy. She leads the Philosophy Group at WUR and oversees research at the ARC Training Centre for Future Crops Development. Ankeny holds advanced degrees from the University of Pittsburgh (BA, MA, PhD) and University of Adelaide (MGAstronomy, online education certificate). Research Interests: Epistemic issues in agricultural and medical science Regulatory frameworks for biotechnology Animal welfare and consumer ethics Indigenous knowledge integration Professional Activities: Board member, Ann Johnson Institute (USA) Advisory roles on Australian Commonwealth committees (FSANZ, OGTR) Editor-in-Chief, Studies in HPS Current Projects: Focus on genomic ethics, livestock welfare, and transdisciplinary science policy. Active in public engagement via initiatives like the EchidnaCSI conservation project.
Carlo Leget (born 1964) is a full professor of care ethics at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, the Netherlands, a position he has held since 2012. He serves as chair of the care ethics department and is responsible for the Master in Care Ethics & Policy program. Leget is also the director of research at the university and a member of the Health Council of the Netherlands. Previously, he served as vice-president of the European Association for Palliative Care from 2012-2019 and co-founded the EAPC reference group on spirituality. Leget has a background in theology, medical ethics and care ethics. His research focuses on the intersection of care, meaning and end of life issues. He developed the diamond model for existential care at the end of life in secularized societies, based on medieval art of dying traditions. This model has been widely adopted in the Netherlands and Belgium, integrated into medical monitoring systems for palliative patients, and is currently being validated across 7 European countries through the EU-project Raphael. His research spans interdisciplinary collaborations across ethics, philosophy, medical science, nursing science, anthropology, psychology and theology. Current research centers around care ethics development combined with empirical studies on vulnerability across life stages, loss and grief, moral epistemology, and phenomenology. Leget has written three books and numerous scientific papers, some translated into German, Spanish and Portuguese. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on palliative care ethics, existential dimensions of healthcare, and practical applications of care ethics frameworks across diverse healthcare settings including end-of-life care, dementia care, and pediatric palliative care. His work shows strong integration of theoretical care ethics with practical healthcare applications. Member of the Health Council of the Netherlands Former vice-president of the European Association for Palliative Care (2012-2019) Co-founder of the EAPC reference group on spirituality Director of the Center for Grief and Existential Values Committee member at 's Heeren Loo Advisory board member for 'Nu Niet Zwanger' at GGD GHOR Nederland Leget supervises numerous research projects and has directed 25 supervised works. Current research projects include integrating palliative care approaches for heart failure patients, examining age limits in healthcare legislation, studying vulnerability in families with medically complex children, analyzing ethical dimensions of COVID-19 policy choices, and exploring autonomy in maternal-midwife relationships. He leads the EU-project Raphael which will validate his diamond model across 7 European countries starting in January 2024. Leget directs research activities at the University of Humanistic Studies and leads the Center for Grief and Existential Values. His interdisciplinary teams include collaborators from medical science, nursing, theology, anthropology, and psychology, reflecting his commitment to cross-disciplinary approaches to care ethics and end-of-life issues.
Laureen Hu is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's School of Law, affiliated with the Molengraaff Institute for Private Law and the Utrecht Centre for European Research into Family Law (UCERF). Her research focuses on the legal and ethical foundations of parenthood and family structures. Education : LL.B. and LL.M. in Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law cum laude from Leiden University, with studies at the University of Oxford Expertise : Law of Parentage, Bioethics, Family Law, Legal Theory Her doctoral thesis explores the moral foundations of parentage law in light of societal and technological changes, proposing four innovative models for modern filiation frameworks. She examines how traditional heteronormative legal paradigms conflict with contemporary family formations and emerging reproductive technologies. Recent publications include comparative analyses of international family law developments (2020-2022) and her 2025 doctoral thesis publication. Her work addresses ethical dilemmas in gamete donor rights, legal harmonization challenges, and adaptive frameworks for non-traditional parenthood models. She previously interned at the Permanent Mission of the Netherlands to the United Nations, focusing on gender equality and sexual/reproductive health rights.
