Prof. Dr. ir. BJ (Jeroen) de Kloet is a Professor of Globalisation Studies and Director of the Amsterdam Centre for Globalisation Studies (ACGS) at the University of Amsterdam 's Faculty of Humanities, Department of Media Studies. He has held visiting positions at institutions including Hong Kong Baptist University and has been actively involved in international academic collaborations across Asia and Europe. Key Research Areas: Globalization, Chinese cinema, urban studies, postcolonial theory, cultural politics Awards: Member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in Social Sciences and Humanities (2023) Teaching: Engages in critical reflection on academic labor through seminars like 'How to survive the university?' His recent publications explore topics such as platformization, digital intimacies, and the politics of heritage-making. He has presented at major conferences in Venice, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taipei, focusing on the intersection of creativity, control, and urban transformation.
Prof. Tine De Moor is a leading scholar at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam , holding the Chair of Social Enterprise and Institutions for Collective Action . With a PhD in History from Ghent University (2003), she specializes in long-term institutional analysis of collective action across historical and modern contexts. Department of Business-Society Management ERIM Research Member Former Utrecht University Professor (2012-2020) Research Focus: Her work examines institutions for collective action from medieval commons to modern cooperatives, with key contributions to understanding energy cooperatives, citizen collectives, and social enterprises. She leads innovative citizen science projects and investigates labor market participation patterns over the past millennium. Publication Trends: Recent articles focus on platform cooperatives in the gig economy , energy prosumerism motivations , and institutional grammar applications . She explores paradoxes in cooperative governance and develops computational models for historical institutional analysis. Awards & Grants: Recipient of prestigious honors including ERC Starting Grant NWO-VIDI Grant International Association for Study of the Commons Leadership Advising & Collaboration: She has co-authored with scholars like Daan van Weeren and David Bunders, with significant citations in environmental and social science domains. Her work informs policy on collective resource management and sustainable transitions. Labs & Teams: Founding editor of the International Journal of the Commons , she leads the CollectieveKracht knowledge platform and collaborates with Triodos Bank stakeholders. Her research integrates GIS, archival analysis, and agent-based modeling.
Dr. Vincent Homburg is an Associate Professor in Public Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam and holds the ERA Chair in 'e-Governance and Digital Public Services' at the University of Tartu, Estonia. He holds a Master’s degree from Twente University and a PhD from Groningen University. His research focuses on e-government, public management theory, and information systems. He has co-authored/co-edited influential books such as Understanding E-Government and The Information Ecology of E-Government . He has supervised multiple PhD students and received the 2010 Best PhD Supervisor Award from NIG. His research interests include e-government in the Netherlands and globally, digital public services, and the role of social media in citizen-government interactions. He has published over 112 peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to academic journals as an editor and reviewer. His recent work explores institutional trust in digital governance, cross-border digital services in the EU, and social media adoption in China and Canada. Education: PhD in Organisation Studies/Information Systems (Groningen University) Master’s in Public Administration (Twente University) Awards: Best PhD Supervisor Award (2010) His research bridges theoretical and practical aspects of governance, emphasizing institutional dynamics and technology’s role in public administration. He collaborates internationally, contributing to policy discussions on digital transformation and citizen engagement.
Gamze Z. Dane is a tenured Assistant Professor at the Department of Built Environment of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), affiliated with EAISI Mobility and EAISI Health. She leads the Digital City Program (2020-2024) and specializes in decision-support systems, GIS, urban informatics, and data analytics for sustainable urban development. Her research integrates citizens into urban decision-making using digital tools like VR twins and data-driven approaches. Education: PhD in Urban Planning, MSc in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Decision Making. Research Interests: Focuses on human-environment interaction, transdisciplinary urban projects, and the impact of digitalization on cities. She develops tools for public participation and uses big data to analyze citizen behavior and urban experiences. Projects: Principal Investigator for EU/national projects involving cities like Eindhoven, Bologna, and Lisbon. Notable projects include UBeX Urban Behavior eXtended reality lab (2024-2026) and ROCK (2017-2020). Awards: Cuperusprijs 2020 (2nd place for student thesis) Drivers of Change Exhibition 2021 ISPRS International Journal Cover Story (2020) Teaching & Innovation: Coordinates courses like Smart Cities and Urban Redevelopment. Developed online teaching materials using VR, drones, and mobile apps. Guest lectures at Istanbul Technical University and visiting scholar at National University of Singapore. Labs & Networks: Leads the UBeX lab exploring immersive technologies for urban analysis. Active in academic networks including Urban Planning journals and international conferences.
Aafke Fraaije is a postdoctoral researcher at the Section Ethics & Philosophy of Technology , Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management , Delft University of Technology. Her work bridges art, ethics, and technology through interdisciplinary approaches to citizen engagement and responsible innovation. Institution: Delft University of Technology School: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management Department: Section Ethics & Philosophy of Technology Academic Rank: Research Fellow Research Interests : Ethics of human-nature-technology relationships Art-based methods for public engagement with technology Participatory futuring in smart city development Inclusive approaches to technology governance Communication frameworks in clinical and engineering contexts Critical analysis of responsible research and innovation (RRI) Recent Research Trends : Her publications focus on using artistic practices (dance, theatre) to explore ethical implications of smart city technologies, developing frameworks for responsible innovation, and analyzing communication dynamics in high-stakes environments like surgery and robotics. Key themes include citizen participation in technological development, interdisciplinary methodologies, and ethical accountability across sectors.
Achilleas Psyllidis is an Assistant Professor of Urban Mobility and Director of the Urban Analytics Lab at TU Delft. He also leads the Social Urban Data Lab at Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions and is affiliated with the LDE Centre for BOLD Cities. His roles include membership in TU Delft's Transport & Mobility Institute, the Mobility Futures Vision Team, and serving on the Executive Board of CUPUM. Education: PhD in Spatial Data Science (TU Delft, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment) Master of Science in Spatial Planning (National Technical University of Athens) Engineering Diploma in Architectural Engineering (National Technical University of Athens) Research Interests: Focuses on accessibility, walkability, land-use dynamics, and travel behavior. Develops computational methods for analyzing access equity, spatial segregation, and human mobility. Leads projects on sustainable urban mobility, environmental exposures, and the 15-minute city concept. Awards: CTwalk Map: Best Demo Award (ICT.Open 2024) ROUTE Ontology of Urban Transportation Entities (2015) Grants & Projects: Involved in initiatives like PERISCOPE (Social Resilience Design), Horizon2020 'Equal-Life' (Environmental Health), and SocialGlass (Urban Analytics Dashboard). Active in research collaborations across Europe and Asia. Labs & Teams: Directs Urban Analytics Lab and Social Urban Data Lab, focusing on data-driven urban solutions. Engages in interdisciplinary teams addressing mobility futures, urban health, and sustainable design.
Sergio Carrera serves as Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Justice and Home Affairs Unit at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), a prominent Brussels-based think tank. Additionally, he holds the position of Adjunct Professor at the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA) in SciencesPo, France, where he contributes to academic teaching and research in international affairs. Dr. Carrera's academic background includes a Ph.D. on immigration and citizenship from Maastricht University (The Netherlands), an LL.M. in European, Comparative and International Law from the University of Maastricht, and a Law Degree from Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. His extensive educational foundation in European and international law underpins his expertise in EU justice and home affairs policy. His primary research interests focus on EU justice and home affairs (JHA) law and the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice policy, with particular emphasis on migration, asylum, citizenship, and Schengen policies. Dr. Carrera's expertise also extends to EU criminal justice law and police cooperation, examining their impacts on data protection, privacy, and the rights of the defense. His work consistently addresses the intersection between security measures and fundamental rights within the European context. Dr. Carrera has produced an extensive body of scholarly work, with over 190 published publications according to the available information. His recent research has particularly focused on EU-US data transfers, rule of law challenges in the context of migration management, global asylum governance, and the evolving landscape of EU security policy. His publications demonstrate a consistent concern with ensuring that security and migration policies uphold fundamental rights and the rule of law. Among his notable contributions are policy analyses on the European Green Deal's implications for climate policy, assessments of the EU's response to the Ukraine crisis, and examinations of the impact of the Trump administration on EU security policy. His research often bridges academic analysis with practical policy recommendations for EU institutions. Dr. Carrera leads and participates in numerous research projects addressing critical issues in EU policy. Current initiatives include "Reclaiming our past, rebuilding our future: new approaches to fighting antigypsyism" (2024-2026) and the "Study on Mapping Civil Dialogue Practices in the EU Institutions" (2024-2025). Previous significant projects include "Global Asylum Governance and European Union's Role" (ASILE, 2019-2023), "Pan-European Response to the ImpactS of COVID-19" (PERISCOPE, 2020-2023), and "IT tools and methods for managing migration FLOWS" (ITFLOWS, 2020-2023). His work has been commissioned by various EU institutions, including the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs, demonstrating the policy relevance and impact of his research. Dr. Carrera's expertise is frequently sought for task forces addressing timely issues such as EU-US data transfers, digital justice, and cross-border cooperation in criminal matters.
Jan Aart Scholte is Professor of Global Transformations and Governance Challenges at Leiden University, with joint appointments in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs. He leads Leiden’s interfaculty GTGC programme, focusing on global governance dynamics. Research Interests : Globalization, polycentric governance, legitimacy in international systems, global democracy, civil society, and Internet governance. Grants : Funded by Ford Foundation, German Ministry of Education, Global Challenges Foundation, Nuffield Foundation, and others. His recent publications emphasize multistakeholder legitimacy, data governance, and polycentrism in global affairs. He teaches courses on governing a global world and supervises PhD candidates in related fields. Labs/Teams : Collaborates with the Legitimacy in Global Governance (LegGov) programme and regional internet governance networks in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
Geertje Slingerland is an Assistant Professor of Urban Studies at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). Her work focuses on developing and studying participatory and co-design methods in urban contexts, with a mission to increase awareness of excluded groups in participation processes and develop methods to involve overlooked residents. Dr. Slingerland obtained her PhD entitled 'Together we make places: Designing connections in urban spaces' at the Technology, Policy and Management Faculty of TU Delft. Prior to rejoining TU Delft as an assistant professor, she worked at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences as a senior researcher. She was also part of TU Delft's Participatory Systems initiative. Her research interests span participatory design, community-driven research, human-computer interaction, citizen participation, and urban studies. With a background in Interaction Design, she investigates how design can contribute to positive behavioral change in people and ultimately systemic change in society. Her expertise includes co-design, participatory design, urban communities, qualitative research, research-through-design, and citizen empowerment and engagement. She focuses on the smart and social city, using participatory approaches to work with residents and local organizations to address neighborhood and city challenges through playful, creative, and digital methods. Dr. Slingerland's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on participatory urban design, with particular attention to digital engagement, climate action, and inclusive city-making. Her work bridges urban studies, human-computer interaction, and community engagement, often examining how technology can facilitate more inclusive participation in urban planning processes. She has conducted case studies in Rotterdam, The Hague, and Cork (Ireland), developing frameworks for participatory placemaking that connect citizens with each other and their environments. Scientific Awards: Best Student Paper Award (2022) Dr. Slingerland actively engages with the public through media contributions on urban design topics, particularly focusing on gender-inclusive urban spaces. Her recent media appearances have addressed designing public spaces with women, unsafe places for women, urban safety for young women, and how streets and public spaces are typically designed according to men's preferences. She has participated in significant academic events including serving as Chair of the Programme Committee for the 182nd Dies Natalis & Delta Week in 2024, and has been involved in projects related to citizen voices in climate action.
Helle Hochscheid is a University Lecturer in antiquity and heritage at University College Roosevelt, a Liberal Arts & Sciences college within Utrecht University in Middelburg. She holds an affiliation with the Humanities Research Institute for History and Art History and the Department of Ancient History and Classical Civilization. Her academic roles include coordinating the Archaeology in the Classroom project and serving on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Netherlands Institute in Athens, the Editorial Board of PHAROS: Journal of the Netherlands Institute at Athens , and the Advisory Board of Theran Press. Her research expertise spans Greek archaeology, ancient history, cultural heritage, and women’s history, with a focus on craft production (particularly sculpture and musical instruments like auloi) in ancient Greek societies. She investigates social contexts of craftsmanship, including the roles of non-elite groups and women in Athenian artistic networks. Key themes include gender diversity, migration’s societal impact, and the intersection of craft labor with early knowledge economies. Hochscheid regularly collaborates with undergraduate students, co-editing volumes such as The World on Walcheren (2024). She teaches courses including Academic Internship , Greek Art & Archaeology , and Making Society in Archaeology , emphasizing interdisciplinary education and community-engaged learning. Her work bridges academic research and public heritage through projects like Archaeology in the Classroom , which introduces transferable skills via archaeology to primary school children. Her professional contributions include organizing sessions at the EAA Annual Conference (2024) and presenting on topics like women’s work in ancient Athens. She is a member of the Engendering Ancient Economies Network (EAEN) and the TEXNH research collaboration, exploring economic and social dimensions of ancient Mediterranean crafts.
Prof. Bettina van Hoven holds the Aletta Jacobs Chair in 'Place, Social Change and Collaborative Research for Wellbeing and Justice' at University College Groningen (University of Groningen). She earned her PhD in 1999 from the University of Plymouth with research on post-socialist rural societies in Germany. Her work focuses on participatory methodologies addressing marginalized groups' spatial experiences, including disability, aging, migration, and environmental challenges. She advocates 'slow science' emphasizing ethical collaboration and community co-creation. Education: PhD (University of Plymouth, 1999), studies in Biology and Physical Geography (University of Osnabrück and Plymouth). Research: Integrates visual methods, community partnerships, and arts-based dissemination to produce inclusive knowledge. Key themes include urban wellbeing, disability inclusion, and participatory resilience-building. Teaching: Project-based learning focused on bridging theory and real-world challenges. Advising: Supervised 9 PhD students since 2013, including works on climate action, Syrian refugee masculinities, and aging-in-place. Labs/Teams: Leads the Aletta Jacobs Chair research group, collaborating with organizations like 'This Abled City' to improve urban accessibility. Serves on editorial boards for Emotion, Space and Society and Journal for Undergraduate Ethnography .
Julia Cramer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Science Communication and Society at the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, with a joint affiliation at the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION). Her research focuses on the intersection of quantum science and technology with society, particularly through the lens of science communication, public engagement, and societal readiness. She leads the Quantum and Society research group and is actively involved in national and European initiatives on the Ethical, Legal, and Societal Aspects (ELSA) of quantum technology. PhD in Applied Physics, Delft University of Technology Member of the Dutch Physics Association (NNV) Co-founder of Women in Quantum Development (WIQD) Chair of the Young Academy Leiden (from 2023) Former member of the CBS communicatie-adviesraad Member of the Physics Scientific Advisory Board of the Lorentz Center Julia Cramer's research interests lie at the intersection of quantum technology and society. She investigates how quantum science is communicated to the public, how societal groups perceive quantum technologies, and how to foster inclusive and responsible innovation. Her work emphasizes broadening youth participation in STEM and enhancing diversity in quantum fields. She is passionate about making quantum accessible to non-expert audiences and ensuring that technological development aligns with societal values. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in science communication, public perception, and societal integration of quantum technologies. Themes include measuring public attitudes, designing effective outreach interventions, promoting diversity, and addressing ethical implications. The research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to assess communication strategies and societal impacts. Casimir Prize (during PhD) Recognized as one of the Faces of Science by KNAW Julia Cramer supervises several PhD candidates and is involved in mentoring early-career researchers. She has led initiatives such as the Women in Quantum Development (WIQD) and contributes to national science policy through advisory roles. Her research is supported by collaborations with Quantum Delta NL and other European networks focused on responsible quantum innovation. She leads the Quantum and Society research group, which focuses on content analysis of quantum communication, developing attitude measurement tools, and evaluating the impact of public engagement interventions. The group collaborates with physicists, social scientists, educators, and policymakers to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to quantum-society integration.
Peter Driessen is a full Professor of Environmental Governance at the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development (Utrecht University) since 2004. His research focuses on governance strategies for sustainability transitions , particularly in climate adaptation , water management , and science-policy interfaces . He leads the Environmental Governance research group and contributes to global debates on resilient governance and institutional reform . Key research themes include: Sustainable Urban Development : Analyzing institutional frameworks for climate-resilient cities Water Governance : Exploring legal and social conditions for effective water policy Science-Policy Interfaces : Enhancing decision-making through interdisciplinary collaboration His recent publications emphasize anticipatory governance in the Global South, city-to-city learning for water management, and institutional shifts in flood risk governance. Driessen’s work bridges theoretical analysis with practical policy recommendations, focusing on legitimacy , efficiency , and effectiveness of sustainability governance models. Contact: p.driessen@uu.nl
Joost Raessens is Professor of Media Theory at Utrecht University's Faculty of Humanities, Department of Media and Culture Studies, where he leads research in Media and Performance Studies. He coordinates the Horizon Europe-funded project STRATEGIES: Sustainable transition for Europe's game industries (2024-2028), focusing on how games, AI, and extended reality impact the climate crisis. His research spans several interconnected areas focused on the intersection of digital media, gaming, and environmental sustainability. Raessens explores how immersive experiences like Games and XR for Change contribute to advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals through his Green Media Studies framework. His work examines the environmental impact of the gaming industry while investigating how games can foster ecological citizenship and climate awareness. He has pioneered research on "ecogames" - games designed to engage players with climate crisis issues through playful perspectives. Raessens' recent publications reveal a clear trend toward examining gaming's dual role in the climate crisis - as both a contributor to environmental problems and a potential solution. His work analyzes how games like Collapsus, SpaceBuzz, and Symbiosis create meaningful engagement with ecological issues, while also addressing the carbon footprint of the gaming industry itself. This research sits at the intersection of game studies, environmental humanities, and digital media theory. His notable recognition includes: Incentive for the development of an International Master Degree Game Studies (2011) Raessens actively supervises multiple PhD projects including 'The becoming-playful of warfare in the Netherlands' (2021-2025) and 'Experiencing the past: Bridging art, history, and young people's media environment through multisensory XR engagement' (2022-2026). He leads significant research initiatives including the NWO-funded project on "Long-term consumer and community empowerment in energy applications through inclusive Game design, Artificial Intelligence and system Modelling" (2022-2026) and previously directed the Utrecht University Graduate Programme "Game Research" (2015-2021). He co-founded and directed the Utrecht Center for Game Research (2014-2024), creating a hub for interdisciplinary game studies that connected humanities scholars with computer scientists. This center facilitated numerous collaborative projects examining the societal impact of games, from persuasive gaming to citizen science applications.
Nina Schwarz is Assistant Professor of human-environment interactions in cities at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management, ITC—University of Twente. Holding a Diploma in Environmental Sciences (University of Lüneburg, 2003) and a PhD in Social and Economic Sciences (University of Kassel, 2007), she spent a decade as senior scientist at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ before joining ITC. Her interdisciplinary research integrates urban land-use science, ecosystem-service evaluation and advanced modelling techniques—especially agent-based models—to explore sustainable urban development under global change. Research interests revolve around three interconnected themes: (i) urban land-use change —understanding how residential, commercial and green-space dynamics co-evolve; (ii) urban ecosystem services —quantifying both supply and demand of services such as local climate regulation, recreation and biodiversity; and (iii) behavioural modelling —formalising human decision-making to simulate policy scenarios ranging from slum-upgrading to vineyard management. She actively links these themes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a methodological breadth spanning citizen-science impact assessment in Suriname, cooling effects of urban water bodies in Chinese mega-cities, European wine-growers’ adaptive behaviour, and methodological advances in upscaling and validating agent-based land-use models. Across these studies, Schwarz consistently combines empirical field data, geospatial analytics and participatory approaches to produce policy-relevant insights for cities in both the Global North and South. She has (co-)authored >80 peer-reviewed works, accumulating c. 5 900 citations and an h-index of 28 (Scopus). While specific honours are not itemised in the supplied text, her sustained citation impact and invited contributions to major conferences (e.g., iEMSs 2020, IAHR 2025) underscore scientific recognition. Schwarz frequently engages with societal stakeholders: her projects have generated open datasets on urban green-space monitoring in Paramaribo, e-learning modules for Latin-American universities, and interactive dashboards for sustainable water management. Within ITC she contributes to capacity-building programmes for emerging economies, supervises graduate researchers and maintains active collaborations across Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia. No explicit lists of PhD students or personal grants are provided in the current corpus, but her leadership of externally funded projects (e.g., citizen-science evaluation, vineyard decision-making database) indicates ongoing acquisition of research funding.
