We are delighted to celebrate Dr. Laurens Kolks, who successfully defended his doctoral thesis, Materialising Public Engagement: The Articulation of Public Issues, on 4 July 2024 at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Laurens’ dissertation explores how public engagement can be materialised through the articulation of public issues, offering fresh perspectives on the dynamics of citizen participation and governance.
A thoughtful and collaborative defence
Lauren his dissertation delves into the ways public issues are articulated and materialised, examining the complex interplay between citizens, governance, and societal debates. By focusing on public engagement as a material process, his research provides a unique lens on how citizen participation shapes and is shaped by public discourse.
His defence was marked by a lively and insightful discussion with his doctoral committee, including dr. Jiska Engelbert, strategic director of the Centre for BOLD Cities, and prof. dr. Bregje van Eekelen, our BOLD Cities board member. Their involvement highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary values of the Centre for BOLD Cities. His work aligns with the Centre’s mission to explore how governance, data, and citizen engagement intersect in urban contexts.
About Dr. Laurens Kolks
Laurens is an urban sociologist and researcher whose work focuses on public engagement, urban governance, and the dynamics of citizen participation. Beyond his academic pursuits, he engages with urban challenges through critical and applied research, aiming to bridge theoretical insights with practical solutions. His broader academic interests include the politics of representation, the role of materiality in governance, and fostering inclusive approaches to addressing public issues.
We look forward to seeing how Dr. Kolks continues to contribute to discussions on public engagement and urban governance through his innovative research. His work serves as an inspiration for addressing societal challenges with critical thought and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Congratulations, Dr. Kolks!