Chair in Societal Resilience, Department of Organization Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences
Our society is confronted with important challenges: the climate crisis, geopolitical tensions, increasing scarcity in for example housing and the availability of care. Effective management of crises and societal transitions is not only a matter of protocols and technical solutions but also depends on the resilience of individuals, communities, organizations and institutions. My research is focused on the determinants of resilience of people and their organizations. More specifically I focus on the role the government can play in stimulating resilience of people and their communities (the civil society) as well as of companies and public organizations. The Chair is supported by the Netherlands Institute for Social Research.
Director of the Netherlands Institute of Social Research
Since oktober 2022 I am the director of the Netherlands Institute of Social Research (Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau). The SCP is one of the main independent advisory bodies of the Dutch Government, providing scientific insights needed for well-informed policy decisions. Our research focuses on societal outcomes that relate to (1) individual well-being, resources and participation; (2) social cohesion and (3) relationship between citizens and the government.
Board member of the Oranje Fonds
The Oranje Fonds supports projects in the field of connecting people and social participation, such as small-scale neighborhood initiatives, mentoring projects for the young and language programs. In my role as board member I also chair the Impact and Awards Committee.
Professional experience
- 2022- Director of the Netherlands Institute of Social Research (SCP). Facilitated by the SCP, I hold a chair in Societal Resilience at the department of Organization Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, VU Amsterdam.
- 2014-2022 Dean of the faculty of Social Sciences, VU Amsterdam. In addition to leading the faculty of Social Sciences, from 2014-2019 I was appointed as Chief Diversity Officer at VU Amsterdam. From 2019-2022 I fulfilled the role of Vice-Rector. As full-professor I held a Chair in Intercultural Competence.
- 2012-2014 - Dean of the faculty of Behavioral Sciences University of Twente
- 2005-2012 - Director of institute for Integration and Social Efficacy, University of Groningen
- 2001- Full-professor in Organizational Psychology, Cultural Diversity and Integration, University of Groningen (since 2012 converted to an honorary chair)
- 1998-2001 - Associate Professor Personnel Psychology, University of Groningen
- 1997-1998 - Assistant Professor Personnel Psychology, University of Groningen
- 1995-1997 - Researcher in social psychology and health, University of Groningen
- 1993-1995 - Social Oncological Fellowship, Dutch Cancer Society
- 1992-1993 - Researcher at the Northern Center of Health Care Research, University of Groningen
- 1990-1992 - Assistent Professor Personnel Sciences, Tilburg University
Other professional activities (current)
- Board member of the Oranje Fonds
- Column writer Financieel Dagblad
- Co-founder and member of the VRN (Vitale Rechtstaat Nederland)
Other professional activities (past)
- Member of the World Connectors
- Board member of the Nederlandse Stichting voor Psychotechniek (NSVP)
- Full-member of the Kurt Lewin Institute
- Member of the association of Work and Organizational Psychology
- Member of the International Academy of Intercultural Research
