Dr Julian Schaap has been appointed a member of The Young Academy of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). Schaap is a music sociologist at Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication and his research includes the effect of music on people and the significance of music in a broader sociological context. His research is a good example of how academic research into an everyday subject can have a social impact.
Research shows that listening to music has a positive impact on well-being. But a song that is soothing for one person may be highly irritating for another. Our musical tastes are often shaped by our social backgrounds. Cultural sociologist Julian Schaap is interested in why music influences human well-being and how that influence is affected by class, gender, ethnicity and other group traits. He focuses specifically on the influence of music on adolescents and young adults and their mental health, but also – with his colleagues at Erasmus University Medical Centre – on the effect of music on the anxiety, stress and pain associated with medical interventions.
‘As a member of the Young Academy, I contribute wherever I can to ensuring that science policy for the coming years is as fair and sustainable as possible,’ says Schaap about his appointment. "In addition, I would like to continue working with the Young Academy to make science as accessible as possible to people in society, especially young Dutch people, in order to secure the future of Dutch science – something to which the Young Academy has been committed for some time. Furthermore, it is of course incredibly enjoyable, educational and inspiring to be part of a group of researchers working in all kinds of different scientific disciplines."
- Researcher
- More information
See also the other new members in the news item from The Young Academy
Website of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)
- Related content
