At the same time, the study shows that this approach requires careful ethical consideration and structural support from research institutions.
This emerges from research on homelessness and supported housing in the Netherlands, led by principal investigator and lecturer in Homelessness Studies, Nienke Boesveldt. “Our findings show that research involving experts by experience not only yields deeper insights but also promotes equality between researchers and participants. However, this way of working requires ongoing reflection and strong institutional support.”
The research is part of a long-term project in which academic researchers collaborate with researchers who have lived experience. An additional analysis of thirty interviews focusing specifically on this method shows that experts by experience form a unique bridge between academia and the lived reality of people who are homeless or living in supported housing. By sharing relatable experiences and using humor, they were able to create a sense of safety for participants, allowing them to share their stories more fully.
A Fragile Balance Between Closeness and Objectivity
However, the study also highlights the tensions that this approach brings. Researchers with lived experience must constantly balance empathy and professional distance. Their involvement can lead to richer data but also poses risks, such as unintentionally steering conversations or too readily assuming shared experiences.
It also appears that not only researchers with lived experience but also academic researchers share personal experiences during interviews—despite institutional barriers to being open about experiential knowledge. As a result, the traditional divide between “experiential” and “academic” researchers is becoming increasingly untenable.
Added Value and the Need for Structural Support
Boesveldt concludes that collaboration between academic and experiential researchers enhances both the quality and social relevance of research. At the same time, this type of research is not without costs: it requires time, training, and above all, institutional backing. She therefore calls for a more structural embedding of experiential research within universities and knowledge institutions. This includes better supervision, ethical guidelines that take into account the practical realities of experiential researchers, and space for reflection on the “everyday ethics” of research.
Social Justice as a Driving Force
Beyond scientific quality, this research also places social justice at its core. By actively involving people with lived experience in research on homelessness, their perspectives—and those of the interviewees—gain a voice in policy and practice. This not only helps to better understand what works in care and support but also contributes to breaking down stigma and strengthening inclusive knowledge production.
National Action Plan on Homelessness
Housing is a human right, and everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live. That is the guiding principle of the National Action Plan on Homelessness – Housing First. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Movisie, together with municipalities and regional partners, aim to make a real difference by working on structural solutions that prioritize housing above all else. Sign up for a regional homelessness transition arena and invest in the movement toward a future without homelessness. Read more