Welcome to Groningen, a city located in the northern part of the Netherlands with a rich academic tradition dating back to its establishment in 1614. The University of Groningen (Rug) is at the heart of this city. Rug is internationally oriented, known for its distinguished history and notable alumni, including the first female student in the Netherlands, the first Dutch astronaut, and various Nobel Prize winners. Rug is a research university with a global outlook, consistently ranking among the top 100 on various influential lists. It comprises 11 faculties (with one located in the Frisian capital of Leeuwarden) and offers a diverse range of more than 120 Master’s degree programs, many of which are taught in English. With over 37,000 students, the university boasts a highly international student population, representing over 120 nationalities. The university is committed to connect education and research with sustainable and economic processes within society, focusing on three main spearheads: Energy, Healthy Ageing, and Sustainable Society.
Head to the University of Groningen course catalog to learn more about the courses you can study hereOcasys course overview for MSc Spatial Sciences (research): Erasmus Mundus Islands and Sustainability
Staff at Groningen University involved in the ISLANDS programme
Prof. Dimitris Ballas
Prof. Ballas is the ISLANDS programme director and local coordinator, and Professor of Economic Geography in the Faculty of Spatial Sciences at Groningen University. He has published widely in the fields of social and economic geography, social and spatial inequalities, regional science and Geoinformatics in the Social Sciences.
Dr. Richard Rijnks
Dr. Rijnks is the daily coordinator of the Research Master in Spatial Sciences. His research research focuses on GIS, Spatial Analysis, and Planning Methods.
Reinier Schoep
Reinier Schoep is the Administrative Coordinator and (main) study advisor for the ISLANDS programme. He is there to support the consortium in all administrative processes related to the programme and for the students to support them during their admission process and during their entire period within the ISLANDS programme.
Sissal Dahl
Sissal Dahl is a Junior Researcher at the Department of Economic Geography, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, and Administrative support for ISLANDS.
Prof. Louise Meijering
Prof. Meijering teaches the course Joint Multidisciplinary Research Project. Prof. Meijering’s research focus includes place attachment, home-making, well-being, mobility, and health literacy.
Dr. Frans J. Sijtsma
Dr. Sijtsma teaches the courses Scientific Reading, Debating and Reflecting and Advanced Research Skills. He publishes and teaches subjects in economic geography, valuation of nature and landscape with special attention for islands, and evaluation of spatial plans and projects.
Prof. Hinke Haisma
Prof. Haisma teaches the course Research Process and Proposal Writing. She is the head of the Department of Demography and leads the Population Research Centre at the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. Her research focuses on the intricate connections between child nutrition, population health, and demographic dynamics.
Dr. Billie de Haas
Dr. de Haas teaches the course Joint Multidisciplinary Research Process. Her research focus includes sexuality education, reproductive autonomy, reproductive health and rights and qualitative research.
Dr. Bettina van Hoven
Dr. van Hoven teaches the course Research Process and Proposal Writing. She brings a wealth of experience in qualitative research, participatory and visual methodologies, and exploring dimensions of well-being and liveability.
Dr. Margo van den Brink
Dr. van den Brink teaches the course Individual Research Training. Her research focuses on Water governance and spatial planning, and
flood and climate resilience.
Dr. Christina Prell
Dr. Christina Prell teaches the course Advanced Research Methods. Her research focuses on Social networks and environmental inequalities; global trade networks and inequality; climate change perceptions and climate action; participatory stakeholder networks; social learning and participatory modeling; research methods training and teaching.