Paulina Raniecka is a PhD Candidate at the department of Environmental Policy Analysis of the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She has background in environment and resource management, with a specialisation in global water challenges from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (MSc). Her research interests lie at the intersection of water governance, environmental justice, and conflict studies.
In her PhD research, Paulina unravels the diverse understandings of the global water crisis, which has become an umbrella term for a plethora of human-water problems. This project applies a multi-scalar and a poly-perspective approach to explore this notion, leading to a taxonomy of problems, suggested solutions, and experiences of key gamechangers in the field. In consequence, the results are expected to point a comprehensive way forward for policymakers, civil society, and academia.
Prior to beginning her PhD, Paulina worked as Affiliated Researcher for the NEWAVE: Next Water Governance project – a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (part of the EU Research and Innovation program Horizon 2020), aimed at supporting the career development of a new generation of water governance early-stage researchers.
Alongside her doctoral research, Paulina works as the Communications Coordinator for the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute (ASI) – a VU-wide knowledge centre for sustainability-related research at the university.
Expertise
Water governance, global water crisis, water politics and conflict.
Education
2021: MSc Environment and Resource Management, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Specialization in Global Water Challenges.
2020: BA Liberal Arts and Sciences, University College Maastricht. Specialization in Sustainability and Development Studies.
