Mascha C. van der Voort is a Full Professor at the University of Twente's Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Human Centered Design. Her work focuses on transdisciplinary design methodologies, inclusive technology, and sustainability. She has contributed over 180 research outputs since 1996, with notable contributions to empathy-driven design for neurodiverse populations and climate-resilient infrastructure solutions. Expertise includes: Design Theory, User-Centered Design, Automation in Design, and Sustainability. Recipient of the Best Paper Award at the 10th International Conference on Design, User Experience and Usability (2021). Active in academic governance, serving as Chair of the Faculty of Engineering Technology Board since 2021. Her research integrates transdisciplinary collaboration, with recent work exploring futures studies and co-speculation methodologies. She has supervised 18 graduate students and contributed to datasets addressing river research communication and autistic lifeworld-informed technology design.
Arthur Weststeijn is an Assistant Professor in Political History at Utrecht University, specializing in the history of the Dutch Republic and its colonial empire, the history and contemporary politics of Italy, and the history of Spain and Latin America. He is affiliated with the Department of History and Art History within the Humanities faculty and is part of the Research Institute for History and Art History, focusing on International and Political History. Dr. Weststeijn's educational background includes: PhD in History, European University Institute, Florence (2010) RMA in History, European University Institute, Florence (2006) MA in Philosophy, University of Amsterdam (2005) MA in History, University of Amsterdam (2004) Erasmus Exchange, Universidad de Sevilla (2000-2001) His research focuses on the intellectual history of power, particularly examining ideas that express and contest political authority through two main themes: colonialism (how ideas have shaped European colonialism and resistance against it) and republicanism (how resistance to autocratic rule has given rise to ideas of liberty, citizenship, and democracy). His work spans early-modern Dutch colonialism, anticolonial thought, the history of democracy, and connections between ancient and modern forms of settler colonialism. He has published extensively on early modern republicanism, the political uses of classical heritage, and the making of modern Italy. Weststeijn's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on the intersections between political thought, colonial history, and republican theory. His work often examines how historical ideas continue to shape contemporary political discourse, particularly regarding democracy, citizenship, and colonial legacies. He frequently engages with both European and transatlantic intellectual traditions, showing particular expertise in Dutch and Italian political thought. His notable awards and fellowships include: Fellow, Huntington Library, San Marino, California (Summer 2022) Fellow, John Carter Brown Library, Providence, Rhode Island (Spring 2019) Director of Historical Studies, Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (2011-2017) Dr. Weststeijn has served as a visiting researcher at prestigious institutions including the Cambridge Centre for Political Thought, University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin at Madison, and University of Padua. He frequently appears as an expert commentator on Italian culture and politics in Dutch media and maintains an active public intellectual presence. He is involved in multiple research initiatives including the IOS research themes on Contesting Governance, Futures of Democracy, and Longtermism and Institutional Change. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with archaeologists, classicists, and scholars from various humanities disciplines.
Prof. Hens Runhaar is a Full Professor of Sustainable Food System Governance at Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. His research focuses on reconciling food production with biodiversity recovery, environmental sustainability, and health through innovative governance frameworks. He emphasizes connectivity issues in food systems, such as disconnects between production and environmental conditions, and advocates for transformative practices like agroecology and nature-inclusive agriculture. Key roles include chairing the Board of Examiners for Sustainable Development and membership in Future Food Utrecht. His projects include NWO-funded initiatives like COMBINED (grassland biodiversity) and REWIRE (circular agricultural missions). He actively engages in policy dialogues, such as advising BirdLife Netherlands and contributing to the Dutch Biodiversity Council. Research highlights systemic barriers to sustainability transitions in agriculture, with recent work analyzing dairy farming and farmer collectives. His outreach includes media appearances on nitrogen policy, nature restoration, and sustainable food systems. Professional memberships span international networks like Earth System Governance and the Wageningen School of Social Sciences.
Jampel Dell'Angelo is an Associate Professor with ius promovendi in Water Governance and Politics at the Department of Environmental Policy Analysis, Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He holds concurrent roles as a Visiting Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley's Ecohydrology Lab, and an Environmental Governance Affiliate Scholar at SESYNC, Maryland. His research focuses on multilevel dimensions of water governance, climate adaptation in African irrigation systems, and transnational land investments' impacts. He leads the EU-funded NEWAVE project, coordinating 15 Early Stage Researchers across 10 institutions. Educated with a dual PhD in Environmental Science (Autonomous University of Barcelona) and International Cooperation (Sapienza University), he also holds advanced degrees from the LSE, Sapienza, Curtin, and the University of Siena. As Editor-in-Chief of World Development , he promotes interdisciplinary research on socio-environmental systems. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to clean water, sustainable cities, and responsible production. Research interests span water grabbing dynamics, socio-ecological resilience, and policy frameworks for equitable resource management. Recent projects address Mediterranean water scarcity solutions and the socio-political implications of global land rushes. He supervises PhD candidates exploring themes like water democracy, agrifood transitions, and environmental justice. Key contributions include pioneering analysis of 'water commons grabbing' and documenting the Global Water Grab Syndrome. His documentary work complements field research, such as Working Together: Research and Water Governance on Mount Kenya . Current projects emphasize innovative governance models and climate-resilient water management in transboundary contexts.
Valentina Mazzucato is Professor of Globalisation and Development at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, where she teaches and leads research in transnational migration and development. She founded and directed the research programme on Globalisation, Transnationalism and Development (2012–2020), co-founded the MA Globalisation and Development Studies, and led the development of the interdisciplinary BSc Global Studies. She is a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and has held leadership roles in major research initiatives including the ERC Consolidator Grant project MO-TRAYL. Her educational background includes a BA in Political Science and French Literature from Williams College, an MSc in Agricultural Economics from Michigan State University, and a PhD cum laude from Wageningen Agricultural University on indigenous soil and water conservation in Burkina Faso. Her research focuses on transnational migration between Africa and Europe, particularly the socio-economic and cultural impacts on migrants, their families, and communities. She employs mixed methods and multi-sited research designs, pioneering the simultaneous matched sample methodology. Her recent work explores transnational youth mobility, return visits, remittances, and temporalities of migration. The articles from 2024–2025 reveal a strong thematic consistency in migrant youth, transnational identity, methodological innovation, and policy implications, reflecting her leadership in interdisciplinary migration scholarship. ERC Consolidator Grant (2017–2023) for MO-TRAYL project Elected member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), 2019 Prof. Mazzucato has secured multiple international grants from NWO, NORFACE, and the ERC, enabling her to build transnational research teams and mentor PhD candidates and early-career researchers. She supervises Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and externally examines PhDs internationally. She is actively involved in policy engagement, having advised Queen Beatrix and participated in EU and NGO forums on migration and development. She also co-created a play with Ghanaian migrants to translate research into public dialogue. She leads the Transnational Links and Livelihoods Group and collaborates across institutions including Princeton University (Center for Migration and Development), African universities, and policy organizations. Her work bridges academic research, teaching innovation, and societal impact.
Dr. Jennifer Koch is an Associate Professor at the Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing, part of Wageningen University & Research. Previously, she served as an Associate Professor and Associate Research Director at the University of Oklahoma's Data Institute for Societal Challenges. Her research integrates data-driven methods like simulation modeling to address socio-economic and climate change challenges, focusing on sustainable urbanization and environmental management. Education: She holds a Diplom (Univ.) in Geoecology from the University of Bayreuth and a Dr.-Ing. in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science from the University of Kassel. She teaches courses on geo-information management and data analytics. Research emphasizes multi-scale modeling, stakeholder engagement, and participatory approaches to socio-ecological systems. Recent work explores urban growth in Africa, methane emission monitoring, and renewable energy siting. Articles highlight interdisciplinary methods in GIS, climate policy, and community geography. Professional service includes roles with iEMSs, IALE, and the AAG. No ancillary activities reported. Her work bridges technical geospatial tools with societal challenges, emphasizing practical policy applications.
Hens Runhaar is Professor of Policy and Governance for Sustainable Food Systems at Utrecht University's Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. He holds positions as Chair of the Examination Committee for Sustainable Development and is a member of the Core Team of Future Food Utrecht. Additionally, he serves on the Editorial Board of Earth System Governance Journal and as Associate Editor of Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems journal. His research focuses on sustainable food systems, policy and governance for biodiversity conservation, and nature-inclusive agriculture. Runhaar's research interests center on understanding the connectivity issues in Western food systems that lead to sustainability challenges including biodiversity loss, climate change, and food-related diseases. He investigates the decoupling of food production from environmental conditions, disconnects between feed production and livestock farming, and the separation between food production and consumption areas. His work emphasizes biodiversity as a key indicator of sustainable food systems, with special interest in scaling up agroecology, regenerative agriculture, and nature-inclusive agriculture. He delivered his inaugural lecture on January 17, 2025, titled 'Governing towards sustainable food systems: new connections for more diversity'. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on biodiversity policy integration, nature-based solutions, and transformative food system changes. Runhaar has been instrumental in special issues on biodiversity governance and environmental policy integration. His research projects include COMBINED (2025-2031), REWIRE, DivGrass, and work on the Water Framework Directive after 2027. Editorial Board Member of Earth System Governance Journal Associate editor of Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems journal Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of Dutch Bird Protection Association Senior Research Fellow of Earth System Governance research network Fellow of Wageningen School of Social Sciences Runhaar actively supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, with a focus on sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, and nature-inclusive agriculture. He has contributed significantly to societal debates through media appearances in NRC, De Volkskrant, and EenVandaag, addressing topics like nitrogen policy, nature restoration, and the role of farmers in sustainability transitions. Beyond academia, he volunteers with the Badger Working Group Utrecht and 't Gooi Foundation, monitoring badgers since 2012 and contributing to nature conservation efforts.
Prof. LFM (Leo) Marcelis is a Professor and Chairholder at the Department of Horticulture and Product Physiology, Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on plant physiology in controlled environments, energy-efficient horticultural systems, and vertical farming technologies. He leads major projects such as SKY HIGH and 'LED it be 50%', aiming to revolutionize plant production through smart lighting and sustainable practices. Key research interests include optimizing crop growth under LED lighting, closed-system agriculture, and enhancing resource use efficiency. Marcelis coordinates courses on plant physiology, greenhouse horticulture, and vertical farming. He actively collaborates with industry partners, governments, and international institutions to bridge academic research with practical applications in global horticulture. He serves as Vice Chair of the Leibniz Institute’s Science Advisory Board and as Chief Editor of the Crop and Product Physiology section in Frontiers in Plant Science . His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating physiology, engineering, and data science to address food security and sustainable agriculture challenges. Marcelis advises numerous PhD students on projects related to plant-light interactions, crop modeling, and vertical farming scalability. His research has contributed to advancing energy-saving technologies and improving crop quality in both greenhouse and urban agricultural settings.
Mila N. Koeva is a Vice Dean Research and senior Associate Professor at the University of Twente's Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Department of Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management. Her research focuses on 3D modeling and Digital Twins for land management and urban planning, integrating geospatial technologies, UAV data, and AI/ML methods. PhD in architectural photogrammetry MSc in Engineering (Geodesy) Research Themes: Digital Twinning for urban ecosystems AI-driven cadastral boundary extraction 3D modeling with LiDAR and satellite data Global partnerships in Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia Interoperability standards for local digital twins Scientific Contributions: Geospatial World Innovation Award 2021 Copernicus Masters Competition (3rd place 2016) Editorial roles in Photogrammetric Records and MDPI journals Keynote speaker at 3D GeoInfo, GI Forum, and FIG events Her educational impact includes developing courses, lecturing, and supervising students whose work has received top awards in The Netherlands and international competitions.
Prof. Niki Frantzeskaki is a Chair Professor of Regional and Metropolitan Governance and Planning at Utrecht University's Geosciences Faculty. Her expertise focuses on urban transitions, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions. Previously, she held roles at Swinburne University (Research Professor/Director) and Erasmus University (Associate Professor). She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and authored/co-authored four books. Her research emphasizes sustainable urban governance, ecological justice, and transformative urban planning. Education: Advanced degrees in environmental science and urban planning (details not explicitly stated in provided texts). Research interests include urban sustainability transitions, climate adaptation, and the governance of nature-based solutions. She has led projects in Australia, Canada, and the U.S., with a focus on global urban challenges. Notable awards include Clarivate's Highly Cited Researcher (2020-2023), Elsevier's top 2% global researchers (2021-2023), and the Ecological Society of America's Sustainability Science Award (2023). Her work bridges academic research with policy impact, particularly through transdisciplinary collaborations like the URBES and ARTS projects. Grants and projects include the EU-funded ARTS and URBES initiatives, and current leadership in the Pathways to Sustainability (PtS) research group. She advises on urban resilience strategies and serves on editorial boards for journals like Urban Transformations and Nature-Based Solutions .
Annelies Zoomers is a Professor of International Development Studies at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. Her research focuses on climate change, land governance, migration, and sustainable livelihoods. She co-founded the Netherlands Land Academy (LANDac) and the Shared Value Foundation, and served as Chair of WOTRO Science for Global Development (2019–2022). Her current projects include the EU-funded 'Welcoming Spaces' initiative, which explores integrating migrants into shrinking European regions, and 'Diamonds in the Delta,' addressing climate resilience in delta cities. Zoomers has extensive experience in policy咨询 for global organizations like the World Bank and ILO, and has authored over 200 publications. She is a member of the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV). Her work bridges academic research with practical solutions for inclusive development, emphasizing participatory approaches to land governance and migration policy.
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
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.
Dr. Pieter van Oel is an Associate Professor in the Water Resources Management group at Wageningen University & Research, focusing on sociohydrology and addressing water crises in South America and Africa. His expertise spans civil/hydraulic engineering, environmental management, hydrology, irrigation systems, and drought diagnosis. He teaches courses like Design in Land and Water Management and supervises PhD students such as Louise Cavalcante and Daniel Wiegant. His research emphasizes societal dimensions of water challenges, including drought impacts, agent-based modeling, and serious gaming for community engagement. Projects include analyzing drought policies in Brazil, improving water governance in Kenya, and evaluating groundwater vulnerability in Ethiopia. He collaborates on initiatives like the Diagnosing Drought project and Socio-hydrological Simulation tool development. Key contributions include critiques of drought monitoring systems' alignment with local realities and frameworks for sustainable agroforestry management. His work bridges science and policy, advocating for interdisciplinary solutions to water scarcity and climate resilience.
IHE Delft Institute for Water EducationNetherlands
Dr. Assela Pathirana is a Professor at the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, specializing in water infrastructure asset management (WIAM), climate resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and sustainable urban water systems. His work bridges academia, policy, and practice, focusing on digitalization, data-driven decision-making, and nature-based solutions. Key roles include Chief Technical Advisor for the Maldives’ water systems and leadership of a MOOC on SIDS climate adaptation. He holds a BSc (First Class Honours) from the University of Peradeniya and advanced degrees from the University of Tokyo, specializing in hydrology and water resources engineering. Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (First Class Honours), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Civil Engineering (Hydrology and Water Resources), University of Tokyo, Japan Research Interests: Dr. Pathirana’s work emphasizes climate resilience, SIDS adaptation, urban flood risk management, and sustainable infrastructure. He develops decision-support tools for flood forecasting, evaluates land-use changes in Jakarta, and promotes equity in water rationing systems. His interdisciplinary approach integrates hydrological modeling, open-source software development, and policy analysis. Advising & Capacity Building: He leads training-of-trainers programs and capacity-building initiatives, enhancing postgraduate education in technical disciplines. His efforts focus on didactics and pedagogy, ensuring graduates gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Key Projects: Developed the WIAM curriculum at IHE Delft MOOC on SIDS climate adaptation and water security Consultancy for the Maldives’ Ministry of Environment and UNDP Labs & Collaborations: Engages in cross-disciplinary teams addressing urban water challenges, including sponge cities in China and flexible adaptation planning in Melbourne and Pune. His work with UNESCO-ICHARM and UNU underscores global water security and disaster risk reduction.
