| Maastricht University

The Maastricht University Centre for Human Rights facilitates and supports research in the field of human rights. With the establishment of the Theo van Boven Fund, the centre aims to support outstanding (young) researchers conducting cutting edge and interdisciplinary research leading to a better society. The fund was established by the Faculty of Law in November 2012 in close cooperation with the University Fund Limburg/SWOL. With this fund, the faculty aims to support legal research and scientific education at Maastricht University in general with a special focus on:

Stimulating and supporting projects in the field of human rights, among which fighting discrimination and social exclusion and the victim's right to rehabilitation and compensation
Stimulating and supporting scientifica education, research and knowlegde dissemination in the field of law by staff and students of the Maastricht University Faculty of Law

The fund is named after Prof. mr. Theo van Boven, human rights advocate for years. Van Boven is emeritus professor international law at Maastricht University, former director Human Rights of the United Nations and special UN-rapporteur torture and co-founder of the Centre for Human Rights van Maastricht University.

Donating to the fund
Do you wish to give to this special fund? On the Universiteitsfonds/SWOL website you can read how to do so. The fund's advice committee decides on the spendings of the Theo van Boven Fonds.

Maastricht, 30th-31st October 2015

Cross-border work mobility, the international provision of services and the improvement of the investment and business climate are high priorities of the European Union and within the border regions in particular. The countries of the European Union are confronted with great challenges following the increasing globalisation of the economy and the internationalisation of the current and future society. To accept these challenges, international and regional cross-border cooperation is crucial.

The expertise centre ITEM - Institute for Transnational and Euregional Cross Border Cooperation and Mobility - has been established to reduce the mentioned impediments with regard to cross-border activities. ITEM will be the pivot of research, counselling, knowledge exchange and training activities with respect to cross-border mobility and cooperation.

Programme

Friday 30th October

Location: “Gouvernement aan de Maas” (provincial government complex) of the Province of Limburg (Limburglaan 10, 6229 GA Randwyck-Maastricht)
Moderator: Mrs S. van Trier

10.30 Welcome and registration
11.00 Opening speeches:
         Mr drs. Th. Bovens
         (Kings Commissioner/Governor, Province of Limburg, Board of Meuse-Rhine Euregion)
         Mrs prof. dr. H. Schneider (dean Faculty of Law, Maastricht University)
Keynote Speaker:
         Mr prof. dr. H. Verschueren (International and European coordination of social law, University of Antwerp)
12.00 Lunch
13.15 Substantive introduction workshops: Mr prof. dr. G. Vonk (University of Groningen)
14.00 Workshops (according to the World Café method):

        1. Problems and possible solutions with respect to cross-border workers
        Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
        Mrs mr. dr. M. Weerepas, Maastricht University, specialization tax law
        World café hosts:
                Mrs E. de Jong (EY)
                Mr A. Hansen (Grenzinfopunkt - GIP)
                Mrs P. Pechholt (emigration desk)
        World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

       2. Problems and possible solutions of expats / employees
       Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
      Mrs mr. dr. A. Bollen, Maastricht University, director ITEM, specialization pension (tax) law
      World café hosts:
              Mr R. Olivers (MUMC+)
              Mr W. Kanbier (PWC)
              Mr J-M. Ahrendt (Holland Expat Center South, city of Maastricht)
      World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

     3. Public bodies and welfare agencies and their challenges with respect to
     cross-border mobility
     Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
     Mrs dr. N. Gundt, Maastricht University, specialization labour law
     World café hosts:
             Mr J. Poukens (Eures adviser ACV Cross-border workers)
             Mr P. Gense (Employment and Enterprise team (GWO))
             Mr G. Essers (former EURES-consultant FNV and support officer cross border labour for
             EP-member Ria Oomen)
     World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

    4. Problems and possible solutions with respect to cross-border employment-finding
    Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
            Mr prof. dr. F. Cörvers, Maastricht University, specialization labour law dynamics
            Mrs prof. dr. L. Cornips, Maastricht University, specialization sociolinguistics
            Mr prof. dr. H. Schmeets, CBS / Maastricht University, specialization social statistics
    World café hosts:
            Mrs dr. M. van der Giessen (Fontys Hogescholen, Venlo)
            Mr M. Rahn (Arbeitsagentur Viersen)
            Mr drs. M. Unfried (EIPA)
    World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

15.30 Break
16.15 Plenary feedback findings workshops
17.00 Closure with Mr K-H. Lambertz
           (First Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions)
17.15 Reception

Saturday 31st October

Location: Faculty of Law of Maastricht University (Bouillonstraat 1-3, 6211 LH Maastricht)
Moderator: Mrs S. van Trier

9.00 Welcome
9.15 Opening Speech:
       Mrs mr. dr. A. Bollen (director ITEM, Maastricht University)
       Keynote Speaker: Mr prof. dr. E. Medeiros (Universidade de Lisboa)
9.45 Substantive introduction workshops:
       Mr G. Muijzers (European Commission, DG for Regional and Urban Policy)
10.00 Break
10.30 Workshops (according to the World Café method)

      1. Cross-border work mobility in Europe
      Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
          Mrs mr. dr. A. Bollen, Maastricht University, director ITEM, specialization pension (tax) law
          Mrs dr. L. Brüggen, Maastricht University, specialization services marketing
      World café hosts:
          Mr dr. E. Lemmens (Meuse-Rhine Euregion)
          Mrs F. Jacquey (Großregion)
          Mrs A. Thevenet (Deputy Director, Euro Institute)
     World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

     2. Cross-border diploma recognition
     Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
         Mrs prof. dr. H. Schneider, Maastricht University, dean Faculty of Law
     World café hosts:
         Mrs dr. S. Schoenmaekers (Maastricht University)
         Mrs dr. D. Gau (Benelux)
         Mr mr. dr. S. Claessens (Maastricht University)
     World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

    3. Cross-border collaboration concerning capital crime
    Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
         Mr prof. dr. H. Nelen, Maastricht University, specialization criminal law and criminology
    World café hosts:
         Mr M. Dejozé (Meuse-Rhine Euregion)
         Mr T. Dolmans (Public Prosecution Service (OM), Bureau for Euroregional Cooperation)
         Mr prof. dr. H. Nelen (Maastricht University)
   World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

   4. Cross-border assessment studies
   Substantive introduction and input from ITEM provided by:
       Mr drs. M. Unfried, EIPA, specialization cross-border assessment studies
       Mr drs. J. van der Valk, CBS, specialization international statistics
   World café hosts:
       Mr prof. dr. E. Medeiros (Universidade de Lisboa)
       Mr drs. R. Hermans (CBS)
       Mr drs. W. Didderen (NEIMED)
   World café approach: Bottlenecks, Experiences (best practices), Possible Solutions

11.45 Break
12.00 Plenary feedback findings workshops
12.30 Roundtable interview, closure with
         Mr drs. Th. Bovens,
         Mrs prof. dr. H. Schneider,
         Mr prof. dr. L. Soete (rector magnificus, Maastricht University),
         Dhr. J. Lenaers (Member of the European Parliament)
13.00 Lunch

Speakers

Friday 30th October

(moderator: Mrs. S. van Trier)

Opening speeches:
Mr drs. Th. Bovens (Kings Commissioner/Governor, Province of Limburg, board Meuse-Rhine Euregion)
Mrs prof. dr. Schneider (dean Faculty of Law, Maastricht University)

Keynote speaker:
Mr prof. dr. H. Verschueren (European social security law, University of Antwerp)

Workshop speakers:
Mr prof. dr. G. Vonk (University of Groningen)
Mrs mr. dr. M. Weerepas, Maastricht University, specialization tax law
Mrs mr. dr. A. Bollen, Maastricht University, director ITEM, specialization pension (tax) law
Mrs dr. N. Gundt, Maastricht University, specialization labour law
Mr prof. dr. F. Cörvers, Maastricht University, specialization human capital in the region
Mrs prof. dr. L. Cornips, Maastricht University, specialization sociolinguistics and language culture
Mr prof. dr. H. Schmeets, CBS / Maastricht University, specialization social statistics

World café hosts:
Mrs E. de Jong (EY)
Mr A. Hansen (GrenzInformatie Punkt - GIP)
Mrs P. Pechholt (emigration desk)
Mr R. Olivers (MUMC+)
Mr W. Kanbier (PWC)
Mr J-M. Ahrendt (Holland Expat Center South, city of Maastricht)
Mr J. Poukens (Eures adviser ACV Cross-border workers)
Mr P. Gense (Employment and Enterprise team (GWO))
Mr G. Essers (former EURES-consultant FNV and support officer cross border labour for EP-member Ria Oomen)
Mrs dr. M. van der Giessen (Fontys Hogescholen, Venlo)
Mr M. Rahn (Arbeitsagentur Viersen)
Mr drs M. Unfried (EIPA)

Closure:
Mr K.-H. Lambertz (First Vice-President of the Committee of the Regions, Parliament President German-speaking Community of Belgium)

Saturday 31st October

(moderator: Mrs. S. van Trier)

Opening Speech:
Mrs. mr. A. dr. Bollen (director ITEM, Maastricht University)

Keynote speaker:
Mr. prof. dr. E. Medeiros (Universidade de Lisboa)

Workshop speakers:
mr. G. Muijzers (European Commission, DG for Regional and Urban Policy, cross-border cooperation programmes)
Mrs. mr. dr. A. Bollen, Maastricht University, director ITEM, specialization (tax)pensionlaw
Mrs. dr. L. Brüggen, Maastricht University, specialization services marketing
Mrs. prof. dr. H. Schneider, Maastricht University, dean Faculty of Law
Mr. prof. dr. H. Nelen, Maastricht University, specialization criminal law and criminology
Mr. drs. M. Unfried, EIPA, specialization cross-border assessment studies
Mr. drs. J. van der Valk, CBS, specialization international statistics

World café hosts:
Mr. dr. E. Lemmens (Meuse-Rhine Euregion)
Mrs. F. Jacquey (Groβregion)
Mrs. A. Thevenet (Euro Institut)
Mrs. mr. dr. S. Schoenmaekers (Maastricht University)
Mrs. dr. D. Gau (Benelux)
Mr. mr. dr. S. Claessens (Maastricht University)
Mr. M. Dejozé (Meuse-Rhine Euregion)
Mr. T. Dolmans (Public Prosecution Service (OM), Bureau for Euroregional Cooperation)
Mr. prof. dr. H. Nelen (Maastricht University)
Mr. prof. dr. E. Medeiros (Universidade de Lisboa)
Mr. drs. R. Hermans (CBS)
Mr. drs. W. Didderen (NEIMED)

Closure, roundtable interview:
Mr. drs. Th. Bovens (Kings Commissioner/Governor, Province of Limburg, board Meuse-Rhine Euregion)
Mrs. prof. dr. Schneider (dean Faculty of Law, Maastricht University)
Mr. prof. dr. L. Soete (rector magnificus, Maastricht University)
Dhr. J. Lenaers (Member of the European Parliament)

World Café

The World Café is a work format whereby a dialogue is created between persons from various backgrounds. This format is based on the assumption that each individual has sufficient wisdom and creativity to address difficult challenges and assumes that many heads are better than one.

How does it work? During 1.5 hours, multiple rounds of conversation take place in small groups of participants discussing issues that matter. The purpose of the dialogue process is for the involved persons to examine the existing knowledge, to share it with their conversation partners and to create new insights. After each conversation round, the participants are asked to move to another discussion table. In this way, by the end of the second and at the most the third conversation round, each participant will have learnt about the essential ideas of all workshop participants.

The World Café concept is an innovative form of dialogue whereby the participants gain new knowledge and contacts and it gives them the opportunity to join their forces to reach new and concrete insights. The purpose of a World Café is for the involved persons to examine the existing knowledge, to share it with their conversation partners and to have them gain new insights. It is hence important that everyone gets the chance to participate.

World Café in short

Several small tables modeled after a café or in conversation groups;
Multiple consecutive rounds of conversation that each last 20 to 30 minutes;
The questions or matters are raised while other groups are examining the same questions at neighbouring tables;
Both the ‘World Café’ discussion hosts and the members of each table are encouraged to write down or draw the most important ideas on large cards in the middle of the table.

More information can be found here

Photographs

Friday, 30th October 2015

View album

Presentations

Full report in English of ITEM opening conference
Full report in Dutch of ITEM opening conference
Summary of ITEM opening conference
ITEM's follow up

Friday 30th October:
Keynote speech October 30th 2015 by professor Verschueren
Presentation by professor G. Vonk

Saturday 31st October:
Presentation by ITEM director, mr. dr. A. Bollen-Vandenboorn
Presentation by professor dr. E. Medeiros (Universidade de Lisboa)
Presentation by Mr G. Muijzers

"The CES staff have been phenomenal; I couldn't ask for anything better! Everyone is super friendly, approachable, and wanting to help you have the best experience possible. They organise group trips and events, gathering the group together every so often while also being in the office to help with academics, travel, or general life help. The CES staff have generated a family environment that has made studying abroad a seamless transition."

Elly Wagner - University of North Carolina

Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have!
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 5282
ces.info@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Jil Buchheim

International Relations Officer
Tuesday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 5282
jil.buchheim

Ariel Bussani

Assistant International Relations Officer
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
+ 31 43 388 4634
ariel.bussani

Laura Byrd

Assistant Director/Team Leader
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
+ 31 43 388 5265
laura.byrd

Emilie Diephuis

International Relations Officer
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 4080
emilie.diephuis

Sofia Doulgkeridou

International Relations Officer
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 5360
sofia.doulgkeridou

Dario Giorgi

International Relations Officer
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 5288
dario.giorgi

Rachelle Haex-Mullenders

Scheduler
Monday - Friday part-time
+ 31 43 388 5281
rachelle.haex

CES Maastricht staff member Rachelle Haex

Mohammad Khalaf

Education Development Officer
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 4433
mohammad.khalaf

Suzanne van der Laan

International Relations Officer
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
+ 31 43 388 4838
suzanne.vanderlaan

Kyra van Leendert

International Relations Officer
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 5289
kyra.vanleendert

Fabienne Loomans

Assistant International Relations Officer
Monday - Thursday
+ 31 43 388 5282
fabienne.loomans

Laura Marley

Wellbeing Officer
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday part-time
+ 31 43 388 5283
lj.marley

Naomi Nijssen

Communications Officer
Tuesday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 5287
naomi.nijssen

Nicole Pols

Assistant International Relations Officer
Monday - Thursday part-time
+ 31 43 388 5291
nicole.pols

Antonio Sanchez Ibarra

International Relations Officer
Monday - Thursday
+ 31 43 388 5265
antonio.sanchez

Josh Tendai

International Relations Officer
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 3478
josh.tendai

The Faculty of Law has its research programmes assessed on a regular basis. Twice every six years the two research schools in which the Faculty of Law participates (Ius Commune and Human Rights) are evaluated by independent peer review committees. Furthermore the two schools receive every six years full accreditation from the KNAW (the Dutch Royal Academy of Sciences).

Please find below the most recent international peer review evaluations of Ius Commune and Human Rights:
Report Peer Review 2009 School of Human Rights Research
Report International Peer Review 2013 Research School Ius Commune

In April 2009 the Executive Boards of nine Netherlands Universities with faculties of law jointly established a committee to evaluate the quality of research at their respective institutions in the years 2003 to 2009. Read the evaluation report 2010.

The Maastricht Faculty of Law subjects itself also to public benchmarking. The `Facts & Figures` provide benchmarking data related to the quality and quantity of research output of the Faculty of Law.

Facts & figures

Onderzoeksstaf
	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Hoogleraar (#/FTE)	32 / 9,9	36 / 10,4	32 / 8,8	31 / 7,1	32 / 7,0	29 7,3	35 / 10,0
UHD (#/FTE)	19 / 5,3	17 / 4,9	17 / 4,5	16 / 4,1	20 / 5,2	21 / 5,3	22 / 6,2
UD (#/FTE)	48 / 15,0	54 / 17,0	49 / 14,5	45 / 10,6	39 / 9,4	38 / 9,7	48 / 13,5
Overig (#/FTE)	6 / 4,8	8 / 7,0	11 / 9,9	7 / 6,8	10 / 9,1	11 / 9,0	9 / 6,4
Wetenschappelijke staf	105 / 35,0	115 / 39,3	109 / 37,5	99 / 28,6	101 / 30,7	99 / 31,3	114 / 36,1

Promovendi (#)	57	61	63	51	42	40	44

Publicaties
	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Refereed articles	103	142	134	98	105	116	100
Non-refereed articles	49	43	45	41	33	31	26
Books	37	33	21	22	13	11	11
Book chapters	172	158	164	167	146	135	131
Ph.D. thesis	12	13	14	14	20	18	27
Conference papers	0	1	1	3	0	2	0
Professional publications	296	243	261	212	218	219	233
Publications aimed at the general public	11	17	7	13	12	13	11
Other research output	59	65	73	102	94	140	180
	739	715	720	672	641	685	719


Tweede en derde geldstroom (in k€)
	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Tweede geldstroom	432,6	160,0	262,9	306,0	317,5	412,4	442,0
Derde geldstroom	2.882,1	2.694,0	3.243,6	2.680,9	2.978,5	2.714,9	2.206,9
Totaal	3.334,7	2.853,9	3.506,5	2.986,8	3.196,0	3.127,3	2.649,0

Promoties
	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
PhD employees (fulltime)	10	9	5	8	11	11	9
Phd students (fulltime)			1		1		2
Other	2	6	8	7	8	6	16
Total	12	15	14	15	20	17	27

2024	2023
Graduation ceremony 1 - Bachelors May	Graduation ceremony 1 - Bachelors 12 May
Graduation ceremony 2 - Bachelors May	Graduation ceremony 2 - Bachelors 12 May
Graduation ceremony 1 - Masters June	Graduation ceremony 1 - Masters 23 June
Graduation ceremony 2 - Masters June	Graduation ceremony 2 - Masters 23 June
Graduation ceremony 1 - Bachelors 5 December - EN	Graduation ceremony 1 - Bachelors 3 November
Graduation ceremony 2 - Bachelors 5 December - NL	Graduation ceremony 2 - Bachelors 3 November
Graduation ceremony 1 - Masters 6 December - EN	Graduation ceremony 1 - Masters 24 November
Graduation ceremony 2 - Masters 6 December - NL	Graduation ceremony 2 - Masters 24 November

What can you expect from CES?

At CES we have a small team of young-hearted, dedicated people ready to help you, so you can focus on the things that really matter during your stay abroad, whether that is selecting the right courses, getting to an airport for your flight to Barcelona, finding a volunteer opportunity, meeting Dutch students, buying a bike or more.

CES students at the old city wall in the city park

Before you get here...

You will have one person responsible for your programme, who will guide you through the application process and the preparation of your stay abroad. The programme coordinator will sign you up for classes, arrange housing and can assist you in getting insurance (if applicable), as well as organise the airport pick up and the introduction programme. You can contact your coordinator with any question you might have.

CES students at the Student Services Centre

After you arrive...

Once you're here, your programme coordinator will guide you through the application of your temporary residence permit (if necessary). Afterwards, we will be here for whatever you need. There are no limited office hours - our doors are always wide open and you can reach each programme coordinator on their cell phone 24/7. Just walk in, we are always happy to see you.

CES students at the city park in Maastricht in spring

General overview of CES services

We pride ourselves on our friendly and comprehensive services, which include:

Advice and assistance during application
Direct enrolment at Maastricht University
Academic guidance
Visa and temporary residence permit assistance
Housing reservations
Tour of Maastricht University
Airport pick up & drop off (on the official arrival and departure day of the programme)
Extensive introduction programme
Integration into Dutch student life
On-site support throughout the programme
Library and IT services
Transcripts
Disability management
Support from a wellbeing officer
24/7 Emergency assistance

"I cannot praise too highly the generosity, hospitality and academic excellence CES has been offering to its overseas partners. Just as my students enjoy every encouragement, care and support imaginable, CES faculty and staff are absolutely unsurpassed when it comes to meeting the requests and preferences of visiting faculty and program directors. From the high quality of classrooms and facilities, to exciting entertainment at international soccer games and Fourth of July festivities, you make everyone feel more than welcome in your lovely city. Don't change anything!" Dr. Eric Rust – Baylor University

Check out the Google Map to see the universities and colleges that partner with CES.

Because we care

We believe that the key to a successful study abroad experience is to provide comprehensive and individual guidance and allow students the flexibility and freedom to build their own curriculum. We are a small, international team of dedicated staff who offer assistance with everything from academic advising to immersion into Dutch student life. We operate on a personal attention policy, supporting students before, during and even after the programme has finished. With CES, you are never just a number.

Unique hands-on experiences

Inspiring study abroad programmes should not only offer first-rate academics but also unique hands-on experiences. That is why almost all CES programmes incorporate either multiple-day study tours, field trips, company visits or a combination. Imagine visiting the European Central Bank in Frankfurt to discuss the complex European economy or talking to one of the curators of the Dutch National Museum about the restoration of one of Rembrandt’s paintings.

CES students field trip Dutch Art History

Tailor-made programmes

We also create university specific programmes which are developed in close cooperation with our global partners and range from a month-long programme on Forensic Psychology to semester options with a European focus. CES also designs inspiring and intensive orientation programmes that prepare students for their academic studies in the Netherlands.

Contact: Dr. Hylke Dijkstra (Director) and Dr. Toon van Overbeke (Academic Secretary)

Founded in 2003, Politics and Culture in Europe (PCE) is an interdisciplinary research programme at Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of Maastricht University. It brings together 50 political scientists, historians and philosophers. The process of European integration since 1945 and questions of European democracy, governance, and foreign policy are central to the PCE research agenda. PCE researchers study the European Union and Europeanisation, yet they also contribute to debates on multilateralism and the global order, and take an interest in transnational history. Methodologically rigorous, the emphasis of PCE is on fundamental research with societal relevance.

View recent PCE publications

Follow PCE on Twitter

Research clusters

PCE works in four research clusters:

European Policy and Governance

Europe and the Crisis of Rule-Based Global Order

Democracy in Europe: Past and Present

European Politics and Society in Numbers

European Policy and Governance

The cluster European Policy and Governance concentrates on the contemporary events, developments and debates related to the European public policy process.

For more information about this cluster, please visit the research clusters webpage.

Europe and the Crisis of Rule-Based Global Order

The cluster Europe and the Crisis of Rule-Based Global Order examines the ability of the EU to promote rules-based order in the European neighbourhood and global governance.

For more information about this cluster, please visit the research clusters webpage.

Democracy in Europe: Past and Present

The cluster Democracy in Europe: Past and Present focuses on the evolution, the dynamics, the institutional forms, and the contested nature of democracy across time and space.

For more information about this cluster, please visit the research clusters webpage.

European Politics and Society in Numbers

The cluster European Politics and Society in Numbers studies changing public opinion, political representation and notions of legitimacy in Europe from a quantitative perspective.

For more information about this cluster, please visit the research clusters webpage.

PCE research in the picture

Mariëlle Wijermars about Russian propaganda

In an interview for UMagazine, Mariëlle Wijermars speaks about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and growing far-right sentiment.

Hylke Dijkstra about a world after Biden

Hylke Dijkstra talks in an interview with Studio Europa Maastricht about tensions in Eastern Europe, and how the EU should respond.

Sophie Vanhoonacker about the shifting world order

Sophie Vanhoonacker reflects on the shifting world order. Is Europe becoming a world power?

Karin van Leeuwen interviewed in run-up to Conference on the Future of Europe

In an interview with Studio Europa Maastricht, Karin van Leeuwen reflects on 'who calls the shots' in Europe.

Christine Neuhold about the upcoming Dutch elections and the power of national parliaments

In an interview with Studio Europa Maastricht, Christine Neuhold talks about the relationship between the Dutch parliament and the EU.

Mariëlle Wijermars about the media in Russia and Belarus

In the new series ‘Digital technology: a double-edged sword’, Mariëlle Wijermars reflects on the role of social media in distorting our access to information.

Esther Versluis about our (in)tolerance for uncertainty

Esther Versluis talks in an interview by Studio Europa about our (in)tolerance for uncertainty. She explains her research into ‘wicked problems’, problems for which there is no clear solution, of which the current corona crisis is an example.

News

Francesca Colli awarded NWO XS grant

Researchers

€50,000 for her project ‘Between Compromise and Impact: EU civil society organisations and corporate accountability’

Read all about our research achievements of 2024 in the newly published annual research report

Researchers

In-depth interviews with colleagues who have been appointed via the sector plans, and highlights the key achievements

Disinformation and democracy: Rethinking truth in a digital age

Researchers

Disinformation is not a new phenomenon. The assumption that democracy functions smoothly as long as we have facts is inaccurate.

Giselle Bosse appointed Professor of European Union External Democracy Support

Researchers

Her chair focuses on the European Union's (EU) efforts to support democracy worldwide, particularly in the context of a changing gl

New "What drives our researchers" video with Giselle Bosse

Researchers

In our latest video, Professor Giselle Bosse discusses the EU's pivotal role in promoting democracy globally, especial

The Arts, Media, and Culture (AMC) research programme analyses the dynamics of cultural change by studying how developments in the arts and the media respond to socio-cultural and political changes and how, vice versa, cultural artefacts and practices can shape social and political culture. AMC researchers study many different outputs, ranging from novels to installation and performance art, from political essays to public monuments, and from online communities to hacking spaces. What unites these inquiries is a focus on the practices in which cultural artefacts are produced, distributed, and received. This emphasis on situated practices means that we are interested in the social and historical but also in the material and bodily constituents of culture-in-the-making.

Theoretically, AMC scholarship follows new developments in critical theory, ethics, and digital and environmental humanities. AMC research relates to paradigms such as post-humanism and new materialism that may transform the humanities beyond its anthropocentric foundations. In addition, digital developments enable us to explore new forms of data collection, analysis, and presentation as well as new ways of engagement with audiences. The topics that we study and the questions that we ask have a strong social dimension. We are committed to engaged scholarly practices that combine conventional valorization activities (e.g., exhibitions, toolkits, and installations) with innovative co-creative practices that involve societal stakeholders in the development and production of knowledge (see our edited volume Engaged Humanities: Rethinking Art, Culture, and Public Life, forthcoming). Many of our projects have an ethical and normative component and several AMC scholars identify as activist-scholars.

Methodologically, research projects within AMC often combine approaches from the humanities and social sciences, for instance critical discourse analysis, philosophical reflection, and close reading with ethnographic field work including interventions, field observations, and interviews.

Director: Prof. Susan Schreibman

AMC Board: Dr. Ruud Hendriks, Dr. Vivian van Saaze, Dr. Emilie Sitzia, Dr. Eliza Steinbock, Prof. A. Swinnen, Prof. Georgi Verbeeck, and Prof. Lies Wesseling

Academic secretary: Dr. Tullio Viola

See here for recent AMC publications

Topics AMC scholarship

AMC scholarship responds to the challenges that come with the following four topics. These topics are dynamic, and most scholars identify with at least two: inclusive societies, digital transformations, living histories, and engaging narratives.

Inclusive societies

AMC research typically approaches mechanisms of exclusion from a gender and diversity studies perspective and highlights intersections of social identities, such as gender, sexuality, religion, age, disability, ethnicity, and nationality. The development of more inclusive societies is explicitly understood in terms of moving beyond an anthropocentric paradigm and includes the human-environment relation. We focus specifically on how the arts, new technologies, and language practices function as vectors of social change in multiple settings, such as playgrounds, factories (including cattle farms), and care facilities.

Living histories

Knowledge of the material and immaterial traces of the past in the present can help us tackle present and future societal challenges. Living histories refers to the analysis of how representations of history are produced and contested in the public domain. AMC research contributes to making history available and relevant today by focusing on issues related to heritage formation and conservation. We have special expertise in the theory and ethics of the conservation of contemporary art, the role of monuments and buildings in memorial practices, cultural landscapes as heritage, and cultural education through participation.

Digital transformations

In relation to the question how the rise of the digital transforms cultural practices, AMC scholarship concentrates on the transformation of scholarly practice itself and the way knowledge is produced. We study and develop digital tools that support our research, use them to communicate with audiences and turn them from consumers to knowledge producers. In addition, we examine how people outside of academia acquire digital skills and to what end, as well as how the arts speak to experiences and understandings of digital transformations. We have a special interest in how the intersections of the physical and digital (“phygital”) contribute to the development of cultural literacy.

Engaging narratives

In a rapid changing landscape of narrative credibility (cf. “post truth”), form (cf. social media), duration, and impact, (cf. “surface” versus “deep” attention), the engagement with various types of narratives takes on a new urgency. We respond to this challenge by studying how narratives across media intervene in contemporary societal issues, such as climate change, population aging, and post-coloniality, and how we can re-invent approaches to reading to deepen our understanding of the different uses of narrative. In addition, we focus on how people rely on narrative scripts in practices of self-fashioning.

News

Read all about our research achievements of 2024 in the newly published annual research report

Researchers

In-depth interviews with colleagues who have been appointed via the sector plans, and highlights the key achievements

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Researchers

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Susan Schreibman new DARIAH Director

Researchers

DARIAH’s mission is to enhance and support digitally-enabled research and teaching across the arts and humanities.

New "What drives our researchers" video with Eliza Steinbock

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Monika Barget awarded OpenUP Grant

€5,000 for the project “Data scraping and analysis for the arts and social sciences”.

Science Vision is a multimedia service provider at the UM Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences.
We provide state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities to clients within and outside the university. Our years of experience allow us to offer customer-oriented and affordable solutions for all of your media-related questions.

Our services include filming documentaries and instructional videos, digitising video footage and broadcasting events live over the Internet. Video conferencing and recordings using one or more cameras are also part of the possibilities on offer. Science Vision has facilities to suit a wide range of training programmes, including media training for politicians, managers and executives.

Our studios are equipped with the latest technological advances, including beamers, video conferencing sets, HD quality image and sound and the necessary technical support. Not to forget, a delicious cup of coffee.

When you have a question, Science Vision has the answer.

Research

Observation is one of the most basic forms of research. Digitally recording an interview or discussion or filming the interaction between children at play will allow multiple people to observe and study this footage at a later date.

Having multiple researchers examine the footage can help form a second opinion. The footage can then be re-examined at a later date with other, more specific, facets in mind. Research activities are regularly organised at the Science Vision studios. These include interviews with recovering heart attack patients and research on how infants and toddlers experience feelings of shame.

Standardising explanatory or instructional materials is also easy and affordable thanks to modern media.

Presentation

Incorporating images and sounds can greatly enhance your research presentation during conferences and lectures. This will capture the attention of your audience and make your presentation more appealing.

Recruitment

Adding an explanatory film to your website can help you recruit more test subjects for your research study.

Education

In addition to traditional instruction and training, key components of education include making learning tools, documents and reference works widely accessible.

Modern media can make the transfer of knowledge both effective and fascinating by targeting specific groups. Examples include (interactive) video programmes, lectures and demonstrations that encourage students to become actively involved by broadcasting the activity live around the world.

These learning tools are available 24/7 on the Science Vision servers.

Various activities are regularly held in the Science Vision studios, including:

training sessions and presentations
(interactive) production of learning tools
(live) webcasts of academic activities for part-time students
lecture recordings

Facilities

Science Vision is located on the Randwyck Campus in Maastricht and is easily accessible by public transport and by car (free parking).

Studios

Science Vision has two studios, each with a surface area of over 80 m2 and each featuring the latest in professional audio-visual equipment. The studios were designed for video and audio recording and playback. Both studios feature HD beamers for single or double projection and both can be used for presentations, observations or video conferencing.

The studios were designed as full broadcasting studios with HD cameras, ceiling fixtures with 30 kW lighting and a comprehensive sound stage including an isolation booth to record commentary or voiceovers. Studio 1 also features an 8x3 chroma key wall. The studios are also perfectly suited for workshops, training sessions, meetings and small conferences.

On-site productions

Science Vision has several ENG sets for on-site productions, which include a camera, audio mixer, transmitter microphones and location lights. A mobile, three-camera HD production set can be used at virtually any location and is capable of transmitting live images from an operating theatre, for example, to the university auditorium. Live streaming is also one of the many possibilities.

Post-production

Audio-visual editing is done in an HD and digital post-production environment. Editing in Avid Media Composer or Adobe Premiere HD Pro knows no creative boundaries. All graphics (After Effects, Photoshop and Illustrator) and subtitles are done in-house.

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