The Executive Board of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam appoints Fleur Deken, Rik Peels, Jeroen de Ridder, and Barbara Regeer as professors at the University Research Chair, effective September 1, 2023.
Through the URC program, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam recognizes excellent academics who are considered emerging leaders in their field. VU Amsterdam congratulates the four upcoming professors. Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts: "I am very proud that we can appoint these outstanding researchers as professors. All four of them conduct groundbreaking research with a focus on promoting collaboration between science and practice and responding to societal developments. With their interdisciplinary approach to research and education that aligns with the long-term academic ambition and research vision, they are important ambassadors for VU Amsterdam. I wish them success in their professorship."
Fleur Deken
Fleur Deken is appointed as a professor of Strategy, Technology & Innovation. Deken will focus on strategic collaborations to develop technological innovations. Her research centers around the interaction between social processes and technical design processes. She investigates how parties can effectively collaborate on innovations for a better world, such as solutions for providing complex care at home and the energy transition.
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Rik Peels
Rik Peels is appointed as a professor of Analytical and Interdisciplinary Philosophy of Religion. He will use concepts, theories, distinctions, and arguments from analytical philosophy and theology to contribute to empirical debates on religious and philosophical issues.
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Jeroen de Ridder
Jeroen de Ridder is appointed as a professor of Political Epistemology. He investigates the philosophy of knowledge in society (political epistemology). Questions about reliable information and knowledge are pertinent. How can our democratic institutions become smarter by, for example, making even better use of the experiences and insights of both citizens and experts? How can the integrity and reliability of science be improved? And what is disinformation, and in what ways is information used as a weapon to undermine knowledge and sow confusion?
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Barbara Regeer
Barbara Regeer is appointed as a professor of Transdisciplinary Research for Intentional Transformation in Health and Ecological Sustainability. She aims to better understand and enhance transdisciplinary research practices that contribute to desired changes. Regeer focuses on various domains, such as urban food systems, mental healthcare, climate change, and youth protection. She does this, among other things, through pioneering research on "meaningful measurements" that help professionals learn, reflect, and act meaningfully. This chair contributes to innovative monitoring and accountability practices that promote and anchor transformation.
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