Global Social Challenges
The first pillar is Global Social Challenges. Global Social Challenges arise from worldwide phenomena such as urbanisation, migration, digitalisation and climate change.
Both our research and education are increasingly focused on these themes, which offer both threats and opportunities for our society's future.
Academic director: professor Darren McCauley
Vital Cities and Citizens
In the second pillar, we aim to prevent large social inequalities, exclusion, and segregation in our cities with their increasingly complex social structures and diverse makeup. Instead, we help build Vital Cities in which Citizens can achieve their life goals through education, useful work, and participation in public life. Vital Cities and Citizens is also one of the Erasmus Initiatives.
Academic director: professor Jurian Edelenbos
Behavioural Change
In the third pillar, Behavioural Change, we help governments in changing people's behaviour, nudging them to adopt healthy and sustainable lifestyles. Thanks to our behavioural and public governance knowledge, we know how to implement smart interventions steering people in the right direction.
Academic director: professor Semiha Denktas
Organisational Dynamics in a Digital Society
In the last pillar, Organisational Dynamics in the Digital Society, you will find us studying important processes of work and organisation, with a special interest in new forms stemming from technological developments, and how these impact individuals, both at work and at home.
Academic director: professor Claartje ter Hoeven