Laurens Hessels works as a Professor by special appointment of Social Value of Science at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies of Leiden University. This chair was established on the initiative of the Rathenau Instituut and is also funded by the Rathenau Instituut.

More information about Laurens Hessels

Short CV

Laurens completed his PhD in 2010 at Utrecht University with a study into how university researchers deal with the practical applications of their work. He has also worked as a researcher with KWR Watercycle Research Institute and as a policy advisor at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Laurens' main affiliation is at the Rathenau Instituut, where he works as a senior researcher.

Research

Hessels’ research focuses on the best way for researchers to work with practitioners (co-creation) so that their research is of maximum benefit to society. He also investigates how research and innovation can help tackle major societal problems. In addition, he contributes to the development of methods for improving the evaluation of the societal value of research.

Publications