AISSR Harvest Day 2025 | The Social Science of Amsterdam

Each year, the AISSR brings together researchers, policymakers, students, community organisations, and other stakeholders to share insights from our work — the “harvest” of social science research.

This year’s edition focuses on social science research of, with, and for our city. What can different methods and disciplinary perspectives teach us about Amsterdam? What are the most important trends and challenges? How can researchers work with local stakeholders?  

Keynote lectures 

Three AISSR keynote speakers will present their research projects on Amsterdam, followed by conversations with stakeholders in the city:

Anouk de Koning (Anthropology) | Imagining an Intimate State

Aftertalk with: Sandra Bos, director Burennetwerk. A non-profit/improvement initiative in Amsterdam that tries to strengthen neighborhood ties by connecting people who want to help (“goede buren” = “good neighbours”) with local residents who have small, everyday needs.

Floris Vermeulen (Political Science) | The political representation of minorities

Aftertalk with: Younes Douari, co-founder of UNSEEN & Represent Jezelf where he focusses on creating tailored campaigns for organizations targeting Gen-Z and Millennials.

Federico Savini (Urban Planning) | How to think and act beyond economic growth

Aftertalk with: Zita Pels, alderwoman / deputy mayor (wethouder) in the City of Amsterdam. With portfolios including sustainability, energy transition & circular economy and public housing (volkshuisvesting).

Interactive Workshops 

In six interactive workshops, AISSR researchers and their collaborators discuss how their research helps to understand and address challenges. After watching six short videos that highlight the different ways in which researchers engage with the city, attendees can attend two one-hour workshops:

• Nanke Verloo on citizen participation in local decision-making
• Yannick Drijfhout on activism and social movements in Amsterdam-Noord
• Meredith Glaser on urban cycling and sustainable mobility
• Anne Sastromedjo & Siegnella Concincion on combining PhD research with municipal work
• Eelke Heemskerk & Yuliia Kazmina on data science collaborations with the City’s Research & Statistics Office (O&S)
• Christian Broer on stress and time in Amsterdam families

For who?

The AISSR Harvest Day is an open and inspiring event for researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, and community partners — anyone interested in how social science helps understand and improve life in Amsterdam.

Curious? Take a look at the 2024 aftermovie and highlights to get a sense of last year’s inspiring discussions and atmosphere.

Program

12:15 – 13:15 | Lunch

13:20 – 17:30 | Harvest Day keynotes, videos & workshops

17:30 – 18:30 | Drinks

We look forward to welcoming you for a day of ideas, conversations, and connection.

More detailed information on the program will be shared in the coming weeks.