Academisch Proefschrift, ter verkrijging van de graad Doctor aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, op gezag van de rector magnificus prof. dr. J.J.G. Geurts, volgens besluit van de decaan van de Faculteit der Bètawetenschappen in het openbaar te verdedigen op donderdag 19 februari 2026 om 11.45 uur in …

Although first-time parents have a great need for effective support in the first challenging years of child upbringing, there is little research on volunteer-led parenting support programs in the context of the transition to parenthood. Therefore, this qualitative study examined the perceived value and …

This chapter “Sustainable City Logistics” explores how cities are transitioning toward more efficient, low-emission, and multimodal logistics systems. Traditional urban freight has long depended on vans and trucks, which, while essential, contribute significantly to congestion, emissions, and noise. …

As the global population continues to age, maintaining the physical performance and independence of older adults has become a critical public health concern. Population ageing describes a simultaneous increase in the number of older adults and the growth of the oldest- old demographic, which poses substantial …

Background/Objectives: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer often begin their careers later in life and are at risk of negative work-related outcomes. Research into and tailored support programs for AYAs diagnosed during higher education remain limited. An improved understanding of AYAs' experiences …

Background and Aim. Developing green campuses anticipates to contemporary environmental and health challenges by enhancing biodiversity with green spaces and promoting well-being through outdoor education and active pathways. Inspired by The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this paper highlights …

Facility management (FM) is pivotal in creating spaces and services that foster equitable and cohesive societies. A role that becomes even more critical as one in four adults in the European Union is disabled, with 52% experiencing discrimination (Eurostat, 2025). Despite the EU’s 2007 ratification of …

Background and aim. Research highlights that poor workspace variety, poor zoning, and limited personalization can reduce comfort, privacy, and focus in hybrid environments. This study aims to anticipate these challenges and to develop and evaluate participatory design interventions for user-centred, …

The healthcare sector ranks among the largest consumers of single-use plastics, generating substantial amounts of waste, an issue strikingly captured in Maria Koijck's breast surgery photography. To reduce the environmental impact, biobased and biodegradable polymers are promising alternatives to conventional …

In the face of increasingly complex societal challenges, the field of social design is being called upon to deepen its ability to create long-term, systemic impact. This project, conducted with five experienced social designers and one workshop in our ESConference in 2025, explored how systems thinking, …