Dr Nienke Boesveldt is principal researcher on the research project on Homelessness and Mental Health. She works at the research group Political Sociology at the University of Amsterdam. Dr. Boesveldt’s research interests include vulnerable groups, homelessness, governance, public (mental) health, interventions, social policy, social innovation, social economy and comparative studies. Before her PhD, she has worked for municipalities for 15 years on processes for social relief, day care and protected and living policies.

This dual background of researcher and policymaker is currently of great value for this research and this position contributes to the social value of the scientific work. Dr Boesveldt understands the circumstances (and the pressure) that policymakers encounter in their daily work. She organizes regularly, and for different target groups, workshops, lectures and seminars on studies on the governance of homelessness and attaches great importance to building a bridge between scientific knowledge and policy practice.