Research group Sustainable Communities

The research group Sustainable Communities investigates how the development, strengthening and connecting of sustainable communities contribute to addressing complex societal issues that are responsible for increasing social inequality in society. Knowledge is developed in the field of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration, with a crucial and active role for residents.

The first line of research concerns the role of Sports & Physical Activity as a means to develop, strengthen and connect sustainable communities.

Projects

Practicing urban sports in public spaces
What moves you - children with disabilities and movement

The second line of research concerns the role of Arts & Culture as a means to develop, strengthen and connect sustainable communities.

Project

Art and positive health

The third line of research emphasizes the role of Education and (lifelong) learning in relation to the development, strengthening and connecting of sustainable communities.

Projects

The fourth line of research pertains to the theme of Social Energy Transition and addresses the social aspects of the energy transition within neighborhoods and communities in relation to the development, strengthening and connecting of sustainable communities.

Project

Clever area development

Cultural Heritage for Everyone - The Imagination Lab

ResearchComponents.ProjectsGrid.ItemLabel

This research focuses on the participatory development process of 'the Imagination Lab'.

HU Imagination(s)-phase 1

ResearchComponents.ProjectsGrid.ItemLabel

The goal of the project is to explore how imaging can contribute to strengthening an inclusive HU community.

A promising transition between primary and secondary education

ResearchComponents.ProjectsGrid.ItemLabel Gemeente Amersfoort

Inequality in education is a major social challenge. Some young people never get the chance to develop their talents. One of the determining moments for these development opportunities is the transition from primary education (PO) to secondary education (VO).

International Social Work: Think Global. Act Local. Be Social.
- Jolanda Berends
- Research.Lectorate: Sustainable Communities
- Article
- 2025
Exploring third spaces during pre-service teacher online intercultural conversations
- Peter Mesker, Sarina de Jager
- Research.Lectorate: Sustainable Communities
- Article
- 2024
Let’s Be Makers Instead of Followers
- Peter Mesker, Hanke Drop
- Research.Lectorates: Sustainable Communities, Value-oriented Professionalisation
- Book
- 2024

The research group works closely with education in all sorts of ways, especially in the fields of social work, pedagogy and education. This involves the institutes for Social Work and Ecological Pedagogy, Education & Special Educational Needs and Archimedes. Students and lecturers participate in all our research.

“Promoting social participation applies to everyone, not just the so-called 'vulnerable' people in our society.”
Anton Boonen Professor research group Sustainable Communities

The research group is in constant contact with all affiliated partners in professional practice. We work together structurally, within the triangle of professional practice, education and research. Collaboration partners include: