Denny Borsboom is Professor in the Psychological Methods Group at the University of Amsterdam, where he directs the Social and Behavioural Data Science Centre. His research program develops network theories of psychopathology, novel psychometric methods, and formalized psychological theory through initiatives like the Psychosystems Project and Theory Methods Lab. Research focuses on conceptual foundations of measurement, complex systems approaches to mental disorders, and computational modeling of psychological phenomena. Recent publications advance network psychometrics, validity theory, and integration of intra/interindividual dynamics. Articles demonstrate strong methodological innovation through computational psychiatry applications, network theory development, and philosophical engagement with psychological foundations. Recurring themes include psychopathological networks, measurement realism, system transitions, and collaborative theory-building frameworks.
Rianne Conijn is an assistant professor in the Human-Technology Interaction group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. Her research bridges data-driven methodologies (machine learning, statistical modeling) with human-centered design to enhance learning analytics, explainable AI, and writing process analysis. She holds a joint PhD (cum laude) from Antwerp University and Tilburg University, and an MSc (cum laude) in Human-Technology Interaction from TU/e. Academic Background: MSc (2015, TU/e, cum laude), PhD (2020, Antwerp University & Tilburg University, cum laude). Research Focus: Learning analytics, keystroke logging, explainable AI for education, data dashboards, and self-regulated learning dynamics. Teaching: Courses in Advanced Research Methods, Human-AI Interaction, Behavioral Research Methods, and AI ethics in education. Her recent publications explore parallel language planning in writing, longitudinal self-regulated learning strategies, and generalizability of academic performance prediction models. She leads an NWO Veni project on Human-Centered AI in education, emphasizing tailored explanations for student-AI collaboration. Scientific awards include cum laude distinctions for her MSc and PhD, and the NWO Veni grant. Collaborative work spans institutions in the Netherlands, Norway, and the U.S., with applications in intelligent tutoring systems and ethical AI deployment in exams. Key trends across her work: integration of machine learning with educational theory, leveraging keystroke data for cognitive process insights, and prioritizing actionable, explainable AI systems for student support. Publications span journals like the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , Computers and Education , and IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies . Scientific Awards: NWO Veni grant for Human-Centered AI in education Cum laude for MSc and PhD Grants & Collaborations: National Science Foundation grants (2016868, 2302644) for biometric feedback in writing UK Research and Innovation grant (ES/W011832/1) for real-time AI scaffolding TU/e Boost! Program grant for self-regulated learning analysis Labs & Teams: EAISI Foundational (Eindhoven AI Systems Institute) Human Technology Interaction group at TU/e Collaboration with Norwegian Reading National Center (University of Stavanger) Project teams for Waterproof ITS and ProWrite grants
Mateusz Platos is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (Utrecht University), specializing in developmental and clinical psychology. His work focuses on neurodivergent individuals, particularly autism spectrum support across educational and social environments. Research Themes: Neurodiversity and autism spectrum studies Developmental and clinical psychology integration Higher education accessibility Peer-mediated interventions Key Article Trends (2015-2025) span randomized controlled trials for social skills training, neurodiversity policy, pandemic impacts on education, and inclusion strategies in Polish universities. His work emphasizes practical applications like the PEERS® curriculum and school buddy programs. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology (cum laude) from the University of Warsaw, with clinical practice experience in Poland and a pre-doctoral internship at UCLA's Semel Institute. Leadership: Co-founder of the Polish NGO 'Mary and Max' (2012) supporting autistic youth.
Dr. Koen Leurs serves as an Associate Professor in Gender, Media and Migration Studies at the Graduate Gender Program, Department of Media and Culture Studies, Utrecht University, Netherlands. His research centers on digital migration studies, examining how digital technologies intersect with migration experiences, particularly focusing on gender dynamics, youth cultures, and datafication processes. Leurs has established himself as a leading scholar through influential publications including Digital Migration (Sage, 2023) and Doing Digital Migration Studies (Amsterdam University Press, 2024), with his current work focusing on Inclusive Media Education: Critical Media Literacies for Diverse Societies for Routledge. Leurs' research interests span migration studies, digital technology, gender, and youth cultures, with particular attention to how digital platforms shape migrant experiences. His work critically examines both the empowering potential and discriminatory aspects of digital technologies in migration contexts, investigating how migrants use digital tools to connect, resist, and create new forms of belonging while navigating surveillance, datafication, and border control systems. Recent projects have increasingly focused on the ethical implications of digital technologies in asylum procedures and migration management. His scholarly output reveals a consistent trajectory examining the intersection of migration, digital technology, and social justice. Leurs' work demonstrates growing attention to the material consequences of digital migration studies, particularly regarding mobile phone screening in asylum processes, the datafication of migration pathways, and how digital platforms shape the experiences of migrant women and domestic workers. His research combines theoretical innovation with practical engagement, often employing participatory methods that involve migrant communities in knowledge production. Principal Investigator for Co-designing a fair digital asylum procedure (2022-2023), funded by Digital Society program and COMMIT/ Principal Investigator for Young Connected Migrants (2016-2019), funded by Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Principal Investigator for Media literacy through Making Media (2017-2019), funded by Dutch National Research Agenda Current member of Management Committee for COST Action DATA-MIG CA22135 on European Migration and Border Control Former chair of European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA) Diaspora, Migration and the Media section (2016-2021) Leurs' research is situated within Utrecht University's strategic themes including Dynamics of Youth (DoY), Governing the Digital Society, and Institutions for Open Societies (IOS), with particular alignment with the IOS focus on Gender, Diversity and Global Justice. His collaborative work spans international institutions including the Chinese University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore, Charles University, and University of Groningen, reflecting the transnational nature of his research on digital migration.
Twan Basten is a Full Professor in the Electronic Systems group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He leads research on embedded and cyber-physical systems, focusing on model-driven design, computational models, and system dependability. He holds an MSc (1993) and PhD (1998) in Computing Science from TU/e, advancing from Assistant to Full Professor by 2009, and became the Electronic Systems group chair in 2013. His research spans international projects (FP5-7, H2020, ECSEL) and Dutch initiatives (STW, NWO, RVO), with over 200 publications and seven best paper awards. He has co-supervised 21 PhD students and actively participates in program committees and conferences. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in smart systems. Education: MSc in Computing Science, TU/e (1993) PhD in Computing Science, TU/e (1998) Research Interests: Explores design methodologies for embedded systems, including scenario-based design, real-time scheduling, and performance analysis. Specializes in model-driven engineering and computational models to ensure system dependability. Active in projects like TRANSACT (real-time systems) and SAM-FMS (flexible manufacturing). Key Contributions: Co-author of 1 book and over 200 scientific publications Recipient of seven best paper awards Co-supervised 21 PhD degrees Senior member of IEEE and lifetime member of ACM Labs & Teams: Leads the Model-Based Design Lab and contributes to EAISI High Tech Systems initiatives. Collaborates on tools like TRACE4CPS for execution trace analysis and CReTS for vehicle platooning simulation.
Sezer Karaoglu is a Lecturer and part-time postdoctoral researcher at the Computer Vision Group, Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam. He is also the CTO and Co-Founder of 3DUniversum, a technology spin-off of the University of Amsterdam that provides state-of-the-art 2D/3D computer vision solutions. Additionally, he has co-founded other startups including Scanm and 3DHealthScan. Dr. Karaoglu received his PhD from the Computer Vision Group, Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam, with research funded by the COMMIT project. His educational background includes a double master's degree: an optics, image and vision master's degree from University Jean Monnet in France and a media technology master's degree from Gjovik University College in Norway. He completed his undergraduate studies with honors at Istanbul Technical University in Telecommunication Engineering. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence and 3D Computer Vision, with specific interests in SLAM, re-localization, 3D reconstruction, 3D object detection and segmentation, synthetic media, generative AI, deep fake creation and detection, and VR/AR technologies. His work has significant applications in healthcare, particularly in using deepfake technology for therapy for victims of sexual violence-related PTSD and moral injury, as documented in a Frontiers in Psychiatry article. Analyzing his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward neural scene reconstruction, intrinsic image decomposition, and the application of diffusion models to computer vision problems. His research increasingly integrates 3D scene understanding with language models, as evidenced by his work on language-to-3D scene generation. The applications span from healthcare (deeptherapy.ai) to media authenticity (deepfake detection) and industrial applications. ICT.OPEN Poster Award (3rd Position), Oct'13 Pascal VOC'12 Classification challenge, 2nd Position, Sep'12 Pascal VOC'12 Detection challenge, 3rd Position, Sep'12 Best project award at Nokia and CIMET project competition Outstanding reviewer at CVPR'21 PROVADA Future Startup Battle winner Best Dutch AI startup by Valuer Dr. Karaoglu has supervised numerous PhD, Master's, and Bachelor's students, demonstrating his commitment to academic mentorship. His research has attracted significant media attention, with features on Dutch national TV programs including NPO, VPRO, RTL, and international outlets like BBC News. He has received research funding through the COMMIT project during his PhD studies and has successfully translated his research into commercial applications through his startups. His work on deepfake technology has been applied in innovative therapeutic contexts through DeepTherapy.ai, showing the real-world impact of his research. Dr. Karaoglu leads research efforts at the Computer Vision Group Amsterdam and through his company 3DUniversum, which has developed applications like weScan, DeepTherapy, and FairFake.ai. His team collaborates with various institutions including the Netherlands Film Academy for grief therapy applications using deepfake technology. The DeepTherapy project represents a particularly impactful application of his work, using deepfake technology to help victims of sexual violence confront perpetrators in therapeutic settings.
Dr. Judith Verstegen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. Her research focuses on geosimulation modeling and spatial optimization, with applications in urban planning, environmental vulnerability assessment, and policy analysis. She leads projects such as HEADS 4 Health (2023-2024), which integrates agent-based models into urban digital twins, and coordinates the GeoSIM research group. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, including projects analyzing linguistic diversity in South America and environmental threats to Amazonian indigenous lands. She is the Program Chair of the MSc Geographical Information Management and Applications (GIMA) program and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Spatial Information Science. Notable contributions include methodologies for spatial optimization under uncertainty and agent-based modeling of pedestrian behavior in urban environments. Key research areas include applied data science, complex systems analysis, and the PtS - Transforming Cities initiative. She has advised PhD students on topics ranging from fire prevention optimization to indigenous land vulnerability. Her lab at the University of Münster previously focused on spatial modeling frameworks, and she collaborates internationally with institutions like Leiden University and the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. Recent projects highlight innovation in computational methods, such as Python-based open-source tools for land-use modeling (IMAGE-land) and immersive video experiments for behavioral studies. Her work bridges theoretical modeling with practical policy applications, addressing challenges in sustainable urban development and environmental conservation.
Thijs van Ede serves as an Assistant Professor in the Semantics, Cybersecurity and Services research group at the University of Twente's Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. His academic work centers on security automation through machine learning and AI integration, with specialized expertise in large language models for intrusion detection systems and anomaly analysis in rapidly evolving network environments. His research program bridges theoretical AI advancements with practical cybersecurity applications, focusing on contextual security analysis using deep neural networks and Natural Language Processing techniques for cyber threat intelligence sharing. This work manifests in open-source tool development emphasizing collaborative science, including frameworks for encrypted traffic analysis and security event log interpretation. Recent publications demonstrate consistent innovation in applying deep learning to network security challenges, particularly through the DeepCASE (2022) and FlowPrint (2020) frameworks that address anomaly detection in security logs and mobile application fingerprinting respectively. These works establish patterns in leveraging sequential data analysis for real-time threat identification. Through active mentorship of the Twente Hacking Squad student team, he cultivates next-generation cybersecurity talent via Capture The Flag competitions while maintaining research infrastructure through open-source security tools. His academic service includes developing accessible research implementations that bridge theoretical concepts and operational security solutions. As a core member of the Semantics, Cybersecurity and Services research group, he contributes to the University of Twente's Digital Society Institute initiatives, focusing on deployable AI security systems that operate effectively in dynamic enterprise environments. His work maintains strong connections between academic research and practical security operations through toolchain development and student engagement.
Prof. Fleur Deken is a Full Professor of Strategy, Technology & Innovation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and holds a University Research Chair. She serves as Vice-Dean of Research at the School of Business and Economics. Her work focuses on mission-oriented innovation, innovation ecosystems, and interorganizational collaboration, particularly in addressing societal challenges through strategic experimenting with digital technologies. Education: PhD (cum laude, TU Delft), MSc Strategic Product Design (TU Delft), BSc Psychology (UvA), BSc Industrial Design Engineering (TU Delft), and a minor in Business Admin (NUS). Research emphasizes routine dynamics, process research methods, and open science. She leads projects with Philips, BSH, and public institutions like the City of Amsterdam, focusing on innovation ecosystems and fieldlabs. Key grants include €1.5M NWO KIC Mission Driven Innovation and NWO Veni awards. Teaching roles include coordinating the BSc International Business Admin program (2020–2024) and executive courses on innovation management. Editorial roles include Academy of Management Journal and Strategic Organization. Notable contributions include studies on healthcare ecosystems, temporal coordination in smart city projects, and reusing qualitative data for open science. Her work spans management, strategy, innovation studies, and design disciplines.
Dr. Alraune Zech is an Assistant Professor for Computational Environmental Hydrogeology at Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, Hydrogeology group. Her research focuses on groundwater flow and transport processes in heterogeneous environments, with emphasis on practical applications in contaminated aquifers, PFAS remediation, and construction-related groundwater issues. She is affiliated with the Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research and serves as convener for EGU sessions on contaminant transport. Dr. Zech's educational background includes: PhD in Computational Hydrosystems from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena and Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research (2010-2013) Prediploma Degree in Business Mathematics from University Leipzig (2011) Diploma in Mathematics with minor in Chemistry from University Leipzig (2003-2009) Her research interests span hydrogeology, groundwater modeling, and environmental remediation. She specializes in stochastic and computational modeling of subsurface processes, with focus on contaminated aquifers, PFAS removal strategies, biodegradation, bioremediation, and heat transport in the subsurface. Her work bridges theoretical approaches with practical applications in construction engineering and environmental protection. Analysis of Dr. Zech's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals strong focus on advancing hydrogeological modeling techniques, particularly in aquifer heterogeneity characterization, machine learning applications in hydrogeology, and practical remediation strategies. Her work spans fundamental research on pore-scale processes to field-scale applications, with increasing integration of artificial intelligence methods for solving complex groundwater problems. Dr. Zech leads several significant research projects: Living Lab PFAS Remediation (2024-2028): Developing strategies for PFAS contamination SilPit (2024-2028): Studying erosion of silicate grouting in construction pits MIBIREM (2022-2027): Creating innovative technological toolbox for bioremediation She actively supervises multiple PhD students including Alexandra Hockin, Kim Bartsch, Mahammad Valibeknejad, Sona Aseyednezad, Hannah Gebhardt, and Martijn van Leer. Her research is supported by funding from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, NWO, and EU Horizon programs.
Prof. Harm Kaal is a historian specializing in political history, particularly focusing on democracy, citizenship, and the intersection of politics and popular culture. He holds a professorship at the Department of History, Art History & Classics at Radboud University, Nijmegen, and is affiliated with the Radboud Institute for Culture and History (RICH). As Vice Dean of Education at the Faculty of Arts, he oversees educational programs in History and contributes to the Master's in History and Education. His research explores political communication, sport as a political arena, and the application of historical knowledge in policy contexts. Research Interests His work centers on three themes: perceptions of democracy and political representation through popular communication, the role of sport in political dynamics, and the integration of history into public policy. Current projects include the 'Voice of the People' (funded by Gerda Henkel Foundation) and a new initiative on history in Dutch policy (starting 2024). He is also the founding editor of the Journal of Applied History . Key Contributions Kaal’s publications span electoral campaigns, sport-politics interactions, and historical methodological applications. Notable works include De strijd om de stembus (2024) and articles on postwar political cultures in Europe. His research bridges academic and applied history, emphasizing contemporary relevance. Grants & Awards Recipient of the NWO VENI grant (2011), and recently secured funding through the NWO Open Competition and Gerda Henkel Foundation. His projects include collaborative initiatives like the NWA Re/Presenting Europe, focusing on sport heroes and societal belonging. Teaching & Leadership He teaches applied history, political historiography, and supervises graduate students. As Vice Dean of Education, he champions educational innovation and curriculum development across the faculty. His academic leadership extends to roles on boards like the FWO expert panel and Brill’s editorial board for the Journal of Applied History .
Izaak Dekker is an Associate Professor of Didactics and Curriculum Development in Higher Education at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Personalized Learning and Instruction research group. His research focuses on AI applications in education and interventions to enhance student success, retention, and well-being through experimental evaluation studies. He combines academic rigor with practical collaboration, working closely with lecturers and students to optimize flexible education models. Education: PhD in Academic Thriving (Evidence-Based Higher Education) from Erasmus University Rotterdam (2018–2022) Research interests span AI in education, evidence-based pedagogy, and behavioral interventions in higher education. His recent work explores desirable difficulties in learning, students-as-teachers models, and media literacy in the era of generative AI. Scientific awards include the Docentonderzoeker van het jaar (Academic Teacher of the Year, 2021) and the 100% Open Science Award (2024). He actively contributes to open data initiatives and peer review processes.
Nikita Divissenko serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of International and European Law at Utrecht University's Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. He coordinates the Master's Programme 'Law and Technology in Europe' and co-teaches 'Law of Market Technologies', bridging legal scholarship with digital finance innovation. His academic credentials include a 2022 PhD from the European University Institute (EUI), complemented by dual LLM degrees in International, European and Comparative Law (EUI) and European Law from Leiden University (cum laude). Prior to Utrecht, he worked as a research associate at the Florence School of Banking & Finance. Divissenko's research centers on regulatory adaptation to disruptive technologies , with expertise spanning Law and Technology , Digital Finance , and Market-State-Society Interactions . His work critically examines demand-side regulatory frameworks for fintech innovations including crypto-assets, open banking, and BNPL services within EU legal structures. This scholarship employs empirical and comparative methodologies to assess regulatory effectiveness across financial sectors. Analysis of his 2020-2025 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory toward future-proof regulatory paradigms that balance innovation with consumer protection. Key themes include demand-conscious regulation, financial integration challenges, and the evolving role of state-market relationships in digital finance. His research demonstrates increasing influence through citations in crypto-asset regulation (5 citations) and significant Mendeley readership (20+). As an active member of the RENFORCE research group on EU Internal Market Law Regulation and Enforcement, Divissenko contributes to collaborative projects on financial integration while shaping next-generation legal education through his Master's program leadership.
Dr. Rianne Dekker is an Associate Professor at the Utrecht University School of Governance (Department of Public Administration and Organizational Science). Her research focuses on how digital technologies reshape citizen self-organization and their implications for public governance in migration and security domains. She holds a PhD from Erasmus University Rotterdam (2016) and coordinates the 'Public Governance and Policy' master’s program. Her expertise includes social media analysis, policy agenda-setting, policing strategies, and migrant integration. Key projects include the EU Horizon2020 'Medi@4Sec' (2016-2018), evaluating social media use in public security, and the 'Utrecht Refugee Launch Pad' (2017-2019), a living lab assessing innovative asylum reception models. She has advised parliamentary committees on digitalization oversight and serves on the editorial board of Bestuurskunde , advocating for engaged, stakeholder-inclusive research. Her work bridges academic research with practical policy implementation through living labs and interdisciplinary collaborations. Current research explores citizen self-organization in policing contexts and the ethical dimensions of digital governance. She has held visiting roles in Berlin, Malmö, and led over a dozen national/international research projects.
Prof. Dr. Ido de Haan is a faculty member at Utrecht University's Department of History and Art History , holding the chair in Political History . His work spans modern Western European history, focusing on regime changes , large-scale violence , and the memory of the Holocaust in the Netherlands. Research Interests Institutional history and political ideologies Democratic theory and alternative forms of governance Postwar reconstruction in France and the Netherlands Jewish diaspora and memory studies Migration's societal impact Recent publications analyze social justice , reparations , and memory dynamics across Europe. He contributes to journals like Journal of Modern European History and Krisis , emphasizing democratic evolution and institutional innovation . Notable Projects Institutions for Open Societies (IOS) initiative Migration and Societal Change research Pathways to Sustainability program De Haan serves on editorial boards for BMGN - The Low Countries Historical Review and Krisis , and has organized conferences on European security culture , democracy , and historical memory . His academic leadership includes directing research on constitutional history and political representation .
