Rutger Hoekstra appointed Professor of Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing
image: Charlotte Ellerman
Rutger Hoekstra has been appointed Professor of Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing at the Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML) with effect from 1 September. ‘I see this as a wonderful opportunity to accelerate the development of my field. I want to translate my academic insights into practice, both in the Netherlands, in Europe and globally.’
Hoekstra’s research focuses on the wellbeing economy, with a particular emphasis on measuring societal progress in ways that go beyond gross domestic product (GDP). ‘There has been decades of discussion about alternative “Beyond-GDP” indicators and many governments have taken steps to measure sustainable and inclusive wellbeing (known as Brede Welvaart in the Netherlands). However, these ideas are still often regarded as rather vague, and many organisations are unsure how to put it into practice. That is something I am keen to address.’
Contributing to research and policy
As Professor, Hoekstra aims to advance the development of sustainable and inclusive wellbeing as a guiding framework for both research and public policy. He believes this concept can provide a different perspective on contemporary policy issues such as productivity, competitiveness and the sustainability transition. He will also examine how societal progress can be better assessed in a world characterised by geopolitical uncertainty and changing global supply chains.
Supporting the next generation of students and researchers
Hoekstra is equally committed to educating a new generation of students and researchers who can contribute to the social and ecological transitions of the future. By bringing research and practice closer together, he hopes to support better-informed decision-making for a sustainable and inclusive society.
CML welcomes Hoekstra’s appointment
Martina Vijver, Scientific Director of CML, welcomed Hoekstra’s appointment. ‘The future of sustainability science lies not only in understanding environmental change, but also in redefining how we measure progress. Rutger has been at the forefront of that conversation, and we're excited to have him on board.’