Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences | Bachelor European Studies

Suburban Soundscapes: the Art of Resistance in the Parisian Banlieues

Alice's elevator pitch
What role does culture play in contesting structures of inequality? My thesis on urban resistance in Paris explores this very question. The city of Paris is marked by segregation between the city centre and its suburbs, the banlieues. These neighbourhoods have long been stigmatized as sites of crime and poverty, which legitimized institutional measures such as excessive surveillance and unequal resource allocation. Within these structural barriers, cultural production, particularly hip-hop, emerged as a powerful tool for residents to challenge stereotypes and reframe their identities. From here, I examined how the residents of the Parisian banlieues resist institutional stigma, in order for them to assert their agency against spatial and social marginality. Informed by postmodern scholarship and Rivke Jaffe’s work, the lyric analysis revealed the remarkably empowering role of cultural production. Through music, residents resist their isolation by promoting alternative narratives that transcend structural constraints, achieving international connectivity.

  Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences | Bachelor European Public Health

Improving Fertility Preservation for Male Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review of Barriers and Facilitators

Ariana's elevator pitch
Up to a third of men lose their fertility after cancer treatment, which negatively impacts their quality of life. Still, there is a significant underutilisation of fertility preservation despite recent advancements. My thesis provides an overview of research on factors influencing fertility preservation in male cancer patients, both from the patient and healthcare provider perspective. Using a theoretical framework, the results show a range of intersecting personal, environmental and clinical factors influencing patients' and providers' decision-making. Recommendations to overcome barriers include formalised care pathways and a multidisciplinary team, with the support of EU guidelines integrated within the EU cancer frameworks. 

  Faculty of Law | Bachelor European Law School

Shift in Protagonists: Collusion in the Pre vs Post-Algorithmic Market

Renata's elevator pitch
My research explores algorithmic collusion by examining its technical, economic, and legal dimensions. I argue that determining whether algorithmic collusion falls within the scope of Article 101 TFEU requires a reasonably detailed understanding of the underlying AI technology, mainly to understand the correlation between algorithmic behaviour and foreseeability. I also argue that a differentiation should be made between algorithmic collusion on what is considered a competitive versus an oligopolistic market, concluding that certain forms of algorithmic collusion in traditionally competitive markets could be encompassed by Article 101. My line of argumentation is also guided by my belief that competition law should be proactive, not just reactive, and thus ready to address emerging challenges.

  School of Business and Economics | Bachelor Economics and Business Economics

A Theory of Discrimination Induced Consumption

Alexander's elevator pitch
My thesis investigates the implications of discrimination (for example in the labor market) for group value and the consumption of conspicuous products among social groups. This is done by establishing a framework for which demand for a particular bundle of goods is dependent on the social position of distinct groups in society. A distinction is made between "identity preservation" and "identity switching". For both cases, theoretical results show that the seemingly inferior group in society consumes the conspicuous bundle more with the introduction of discrimination.

  School of Business and Economics | Bachelor Econometrics and Operations Research

Replicating Portfolios Using Convex Neural Networks

Kees's elevator pitch
Imagine trying to value or hedge a complex financial product, like one with non-linear payouts. Traditionally, this involves intricate calculations that can be time-consuming and error-prone. My thesis explores a novel solution: using machine learning and mathematics to create simplified portfolios of basic financial instruments, like call options, that can replicate these complex payouts. By combining neural networks and optimization techniques, I developed an algorithm that breaks the problem into smaller, manageable parts. This not only makes the process more accurate but also faster and more reliable for real-world financial applications. The approach could significantly enhance tools for traders, risk managers, and financial engineers, making financial markets more efficient and robust.

  Faculty of Law | Bachelor Dutch Law

Evaluatie en aanbevelingen voor het EU-cybersanctieregime: een focus op attributie binnen het Gemeenschappelijk Buitenlands en Veiligheidsbeleid

Shereen's elevator pitch
How can Europe better defend itself against the growing threat of cyberattacks? With increasing attacks from state and non-state actors targeting critical infrastructure, the European Union has implemented the EU Cyber Sanctions Regime. Designed to deter and respond to malicious cyber activities, the regime faces critical hurdles in attributing attacks to specific actors; a process complicated by fragmented intelligence, political roadblocks, and ambiguous legal standards. My research delves into these challenges, exploring how they undermine the regime’s effectiveness and proposing targeted improvements to enhance intelligence sharing, streamline decision-making, and clarify legal definitions. Strengthening this regime is not just about protecting Europe today, it is about shaping a safer digital future for generations to come.

We received the sad news that bachelor’s student Maanas Gutta passed away last weekend. Maanas was enrolled in the International Track in Medicine at the Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences (FHML), since the academic year 2021-2022. We remember him as a motivated student, beloved by his fellow students and teachers. Besides his bachelor, Maanas also participated in the honours programme. He was also one of our dedicated student ambassadors. 

We want to express our heartfelt condolences to his parents, brother and other family members and friends. We wish them strength during this difficult time.

A memorial space to remember Maanas has been set up at UNS 60 in room N2.29. Students and staff are welcome to pay their respects and sign the condolence register that will be given to Manaas’ family. This space will be available for this purpose until Friday, 22 January 2025, 17:00.

It is conceivable that some students – particularly those who knew Maanas well – may wish to seek support in processing his passing. The UM Psychologists at Maastricht University offer the opportunity to discuss this in a personal conversation or in a group setting. Those who feel the need for this support can contact a study advisor of FHML or the Student Guidance Office (+31 (0)43-388 52 12).

Of course, the UM Student Chaplaincy, The InnBetween, also offers support if desired during office hours (+31 (0)6-17443610 / +31 (0)43-38 85 310).