Name: Jiabin Zhang
Age: 30 years
Nationality: Chinese
Department: Management & Organisation
Research area: Crisis and entrepreneurship
1. Who or what inspired you to become a scientist?
I had finished my master's degree before I came to Netherlands. I also had some years of work experience before that. It's hard to say which specific reason made me choose to continue in academia. It's a balance of lots of factors.
2. Why did you choose VU Amsterdam?
I was keen to continue my PhD research abroad, mainly wanting to experience a different academic research environment. An old Chinese friend who was already studying in the Netherlands recommended me to come here. The positive side is that I can experience a completely new academic research environment. The disadvantage is the culture also took some getting used to.
3. What research are you currently working on and to what extent is it socially relevant?
My research is about how certain crisis situations affect entrepreneurship. I want to find a solution for how to prevent small businesses from going bankrupt after crises and how best to stimulate the economy after crises. I have just started, so I have yet to decide whether to use China or the Netherlands as a case study for my thesis and investigate which measures have been effective and which have not.
4. What stands out to you in this post corona era?
I had no problem that people wore face masks until the beginning of this year. Now that Covid-19 is gradually improving, I’m okay that people aren’t obliged to wear face masks anymore. I still wash my hands frequently myself which is an epidemic-bred habit.
5. We live in a time of many uncertainties and social problems. What are you most concerned about and how can science solve it?
I am a little concerned about the negative effect of Covid-19 on businesses, such as some business closedown. But the Ukrainian war, which has led to high energy and food prices, maybe also a major problem. Solving these problems requires the combined efforts of governments, companies, and individuals.
