Laura Niessen (L.)

Laura is a researcher working on sufficiency (sustainable consumption) through business and circular business models under the ERC funded Circular X project and the PROSPERITY project at the Maastricht Sustainability Institute.

 

In her research, she looks into the role that companies can play in promoting sufficiency amongst their customers. Firms can promote sufficiency through diverse strategies, such as offering long-lifetime products, supporting repair or reuse, or changing their marketing and advertising strategies. Laura's research uncovers the side of the business, as well as how such strategies can affect consumers. She also compiled and updates a database of over 150 businesses that promote sufficiency to inspire other firms and show what is already being done.

Career history

Laura's background is interdisciplinary with a BA in European Studies and an MSc in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Sciences. Previous to her PhD at the Maastricht Sustainability Institute, Laura worked on circular economy research and policy in Ireland. She was based at the interface of research and application, providing support for circular economy business development.