A special and innovative academic event took place today at Albeda: the social defence of Kayla H. Green. Following her PhD at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), where she graduated cum laude on her research into youth well-being, she has now defended her work in a social context. This unique collaboration between Albeda and EUR highlights the importance of science in society and contributes to the connection between academic knowledge and the field.
Albeda PhD: Developing and thriving in a changing world
Alderman Faouzi Achbar of Rotterdam municipality opened the meeting: 'I am here today because the topic Ms Green has researched - the welfare of young people - is incredibly important. It is a subject that lives among many young people in Rotterdam and unfortunately is not always taken for granted. As a municipality, we can facilitate and support, but creating real impact is something we do together. The cooperation between Albeda and Erasmus University Rotterdam contributes to a stronger and more resilient Rotterdam. That is why I greatly encourage these kinds of collaborations between educational institutions and other social partners in Rotterdam.'
The social defence was shaped by a committee of practical experts: Gamze Karaca, (Education Leader at Albeda College Economics and Entrepreneurship), Puck de Gier (Policy Officer Ministry of Education, Culture and Science), Bianca Boender (President BVjong professional association child and youth work, founder You!ng) and Thijs Launspach (Writer, psychologist, speaker). After an in-depth discussion and stimulating questions, the committee briefly retreated for deliberation and the formal assessment followed. The committee spoke highly of Kayla Green's research, praising her efforts to make science more accessible to society but also her ambition to involve young people in research at an early stage. In addition, they would like to see her in a role where she can also make a meaningful difference for young people in the Netherlands within decision-making.
Strategic cooperation between Albeda and EUR
Simone Fredriksz, member of the Albeda Executive Board, stressed the importance of cooperation between educational institutions in Rotterdam: 'Our cooperation is unique, innovative and invaluable. By joining forces and connecting knowledge, we increase our impact - both for our students and for our city. I am incredibly proud that we are organising this social defence together, precisely at a time when academic institutions are under great pressure. Erasmus University Rotterdam is a valuable partner for us in this process and the beautiful initiatives that undertake underline this,' Simone Fredriksz said.
Jantine Schuit, Rector Magnificus of EUR, shared her enthusiasm about this innovative form of a social defence and its impact on the city of Rotterdam: 'As scientists, we strive for social impact and this is a great example of how we involve society in our research. At EUR, we see this as an increasingly important theme, which has led to an adjustment in the PhD regulations: since recently, an extra committee member can be added in addition to scientists to ask a question about the social relevance of the research,' Jantine Schuit said.
Kayla starts as Practor Equal Opportunities at Albeda
After the social defence, an important announcement was made by Simone Fredriksz. Kayla Green will take up the role of Equal Opportunities Practor within Albeda. She will combine her role within the practorate with her research position at EUR, bringing both worlds together for maximum impact. The practorate is on the eve of its next phase, which will focus more on research and impact measurement in practice in the coming years. Albeda, which facilitates the practorate, emphasises that the goals of equal opportunities are more relevant than ever. Kayla will start as a practor within Albeda on 1 April 2025, succeeding Mohamed Bouziane.
She can continue to work on equal opportunities and the well-being of young people, a theme central to her PhD research. This social advocacy and Kayla's appointment as an Equal Opportunities Practor is part of the collaboration between Professor Eveline Crone's SYNC Lab (EUR) and Albeda and forms a bridge between science and the mbo. 'With Kayla's practorate, Albeda and EUR are strengthening their cooperation and answering innovative questions that transcend practical and scientific research. This is transdisciplinary 2.0 in action!', stresses professor Eveline Crone.
Kayla Green: 'This afternoon was a great experience. For me, defending my PhD research in front of practitioner experts further emphasises its social relevance. Moreover, I am honoured and motivated to continue building an inclusive society as an Equal Opportunities Practor. My research has demonstrated the importance of giving young people perspective and addressing structural inequalities. I look forward to working with students, teachers and partners to make an impact.'
- Researcher
- More information
For press-related questions, contact Rateb Abawi, Strategic Advisor and Spokesperson Albeda, via phone +31(0)6 3855 7679 or email r.abawi@albeda.nl or Marc Lamers, Head of Speech Erasmus University Rotterdam, via phone +31(0)6 4008 9974 email press@eur.nl.
