The Social Sciences and Humanities are indispensable in addressing complex societal issues, especially in this day and age where technology is sometimes seen as the solution to everything. Without the human, social context, we miss crucial information, values, and a vision for the future. Discover our research and master's programs here.
Take, for example, the question of how we as a society can better cope with disasters and crises. VU researchers Kees Boersma and Nathan Clark, experts in crisis management, are working to integrate social science, technology, and the knowledge and skills of people in society who may be affected by disasters. How can collaboration with these people—emergency workers, citizens, volunteers—contribute to better disaster preparation and response? In this video, they discuss this with journalist Tom Reijner.
Or consider the societal debate on migration. How can we utilize the knowledge and experience of migrants to advance this issue? That's precisely what VU researchers Halleh Ghorashi and Elena Ponzoni are doing in their Refugee Academy: tapping into the potential of people who would otherwise be excluded from discussions about policies that affect them. Watch the interview with Halleh and Elena by Tom Reijner here.
The Researchers
Professor Halleh Ghorashi and Dr. Elena Ponzoni of the Inclusive Knowledge research group are investigating how we as a society can better manage diversity. They focus on the experiences of migrants and refugees and how they find their place in a new environment.
Professor Kees Boersma is an expert in innovation and crisis management. He examines how new technologies and collaboration between different organizations can help manage emergencies. Dr. Nathan Edward Clark focuses on crisis communication and the use of data in emergencies. He researches how information can be used ethically to better manage disasters.
Another good example of the importance of the social sciences and humanities: the extensive research by VU sociologist Marie Lindegaard on aggression against "frontline workers"—healthcare workers, emergency services, public transport workers—and what we can do about it.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, VU Amsterdam
The motto of the new Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at VU Amsterdam is "Expand your mind, deepen your perspective." Want to know more about our research? Visit our website.
