The SSH-council represents the Dutch domain of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) and is committed to strengthening its position within the Netherlands and beyond.

The Council promotes collaboration across the four SSH-sectors: economics & business, humanities, law, and the social sciences. It actively advocates for the value and impact of SSH research and education.

The Council brings together the chairs of the national deans’ councils in the SSH-sectors, the chairs of the two SSH advisory councils of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and both the chair and director responsible for SSH within the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Together, they represent the entire Dutch SSH-domain.

As European policy and funding landscapes increasingly shape national research priorities, the SSH-council is expanding its efforts internationally.

Vision

The SSH-domain contributes greatly to societal welfare and economic prosperity in the Netherlands. SSH education and research are invaluable for understanding complex societal issues. For this reason, the Council is strengthening the domain’s position.

Mission

The SSH-council works to ensure that the domain is resilient, well-connected, and equipped to make a lasting societal impact.

Meet the SSH-council

The SSH-council comprises representatives from the Dutch social sciences, humanities, law, and economics and business fields.

Chair

Prof. dr. Bas van Bavel

Members

Prof. dr. Keimpe Algra
Advisory member

NWO participants

Dr. Inge Werner
Director NWO Domain Social Sciences and Humanities

Prof. Antal van den Bosch
Chair NWO Domain Social Sciences and Humanities 

The SSH-office serves as a supporting body for the SSH-council.

Executive secretary

Name added may ’25
Mail added later

Policy advisor

Rian Hesdahl, MSc
r.e.hesdahl@uu.nl

Communication

Jos Nierop, MA
j.m.nierop@uu.nl

Click here for further explanation of the organizational structure.