Research themes
The research programme is structured around eight main themes. There is considerable overlap between the themes, so it is quite possible for a research project to be related to multiple themes.
Meaning making and chaplaincy
Our research into the role of meaning, and of existential and moral guidance, takes place in healthcare, the justice system, defence, the police, refugee centres and education. We reflect on the profession of chaplaincy and investigate the uniqueness of humanistic spiritual care. Read more.
Care, welfare and flourishing
From a care-ethical and humanistic perspective, we study how care, welfare and education are organised in our society, how people flourish or struggle in different practices, and how things can be improved. Care is understood in a broad sense: formal and informal, paid and unpaid, as a practice and as a dimension within a practice. Read more.
Life course, loss and grief
How do we cope with the major moments in a person’s life – birth, ageing, loss and death? And how do we give meaning to experiences such as loneliness, grief or the awareness of finitude? These ethical and existential questions are central to this theme. Read more.
Justice, diversity and inclusion
Justice, diversity and inclusion are central to our research in various ways: we are committed to equal rights and opportunities for groups that do not have full access, such as people with disabilities (Disability Studies); but also in research into recognition and redress procedures in structural and systemic violence in the present and the past (Transformative Justice). Read more.
Democracy, citizenship and education
The theme of citizenship extends from education to everyday interactions between citizens, as well as between citizens and professionals working within public organisations. It also concerns the mutual influence between citizens and social or institutional developments, polarisation and the preservation of a democratic society. Read more.
Professional ethics, leaderschip and integrity
Research into the normative dimension of professionalism and leadership has a long tradition at the University of Humanistic Studies. Whether it concerns teachers, managers, healthcare providers, or social workers, every profession has an intrinsic normative character. A particular focus within this field of research is the theme of integrity. Read more.
Critical humanism in de 21st century
Humanism is both an ethical worldview that guides everyday personal and institutional practices and a critical intellectual tradition that has engaged dominant forms of thought and action since antiquity. Especially in times of crisis, it addresses fundamental questions: who we are as humans, how we should act, and where restraint is required. Read more.
Art, imagination and society
Artistic and creative processes yield unique forms of knowledge. By researching through creation — and creating through research — we learn to see and understand differently. This gives rise to new perspectives within artistic practice, academia and society as a whole. Read more.