This year, after reviewing eighteen submitted theses, the jury has made the exceptional decision to name two winners. This is not because the winning theses are "equally good," but because they belong to entirely different research traditions. Both theses have achieved an extraordinary level within their respective approaches and research traditions, and both are highly relevant to Rotterdam. The award was presented during the Academic Year Opening Ceremony at Erasmus University Rotterdam by Jeroen Postma, alderman for Youth Care, Education and Sport for the City of Rotterdam.
This means that both Criminology alumnus Stephanie Habets, with her thesis on how young people in Rotterdam are drawn into the criminal underworld via social media, and Economics alumnus Hugo van den Belt, with his thesis on the Purchase Protection Act (Wet Opkoopbescherming) in Rotterdam, can proudly call themselves winners of the Rotterdam Thesis Award 2026.
Jury Chair Prof. Martijn van der Steen: "The jury is extremely proud of this unique situation, where not one but two students have produced such excellent work. It highlights the richness, diversity, and strength of research at Erasmus University Rotterdam and underscores the importance of leveraging these different research traditions to address pressing societal issues."
The Winners
"Want a job? Send a DM!" Written by Stephanie Habets for the Master’s program in Criminology at the Erasmus School of Law, under the supervision of Dr Robby Roks.
This research demonstrates how Snapchat and Telegram can function as online entry mechanisms into serious and organised drug and violent crime. Based on interviews with eighteen young people who are either involved in crime or at risk of becoming involved, the study provides insight into how digital platforms enable criminal recruitment.
Snapchat primarily plays a role in initial contact through stories, algorithms, and the quick addition of (unknown) contacts. Telegram, on the other hand, often facilitates access to closed networks where more serious criminal activities are organised.
A unique aspect of this research is that young people themselves share their choices and experiences. They often appear more distrustful than expected and prefer trusted contacts. At the same time, the study shows that online and offline influences are closely intertwined: existing social networks often open the first door, after which digital platforms amplify the process. Social media is therefore rarely the cause but acts as a catalyst in the pathway toward criminal involvement.
"Investor restrictions and the housing market: an evaluation of the Purchase Protection Act (Wet Opkoopbescherming) in Rotterdam" Written by Hugo van den Belt for the Master’s program in Economics & Business: Economics of Markets and Organizations at the Erasmus School of Economics, under the supervision of Dr Sacha Kapoor.
For the first time, the impact of the Housing Purchase Protection Act (Wet Opkoopbescherming) in Rotterdam has been studied at the neighborhood level. A quantitative approach was used, based on publicly accessible sources, including data from the municipality of Rotterdam and CBS.
Previous research by the Dutch Land Registry (Kadaster) and Erasmus University had already shown a decline in property purchasing activity. Van der Belt now demonstrates what this means for neighbourhoods: more homes are being occupied by owner-occupiers and there is less vacancy. However, housing prices remained unchanged. In a city such as Rotterdam, with a severe housing shortage, making better use of the existing, often vacant, housing stock could prove just as beneficial to society as a whole as lower prices.
Somewhat coincidentally, the statistical method used also uncovered a large, unregistered rental sector operating outside municipal oversight. This sector poses risks such as illegal subdivision, overcrowding, and excessively high rents. Gaining insight into this market is crucial for enforcement and protecting tenants.
About the Rotterdam Thesis Award 2026
To encourage students to apply their academic knowledge to benefit Rotterdam, the Municipality of Rotterdam and Erasmus University Rotterdam established the Rotterdam Thesis Award. The jury, consisting of academics, municipal officials, and a city council member, evaluates submissions based on their relevance to Rotterdam and their scientific quality. The award includes a certificate, an artwork by a Rotterdam-based artist, and a cash prize of €1,500.
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Questions?
Please contact Marjolein Kooistra, Communications Rotterdam Thesis Award by email or telephone on +31 (0)6 83 67 60 38.
For further information, please contact Ronald de Groot, Media & Public Relations Officer at Erasmus School of Law and Erasmus School of Economics: degroot@law.eur.nl / rdegroot@ese.eur.nl, mobile: +31 (0)6 53 64 18 46.
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