Erasmus Trust Fund grant for research into emotions in real estate developments

Emotions in real estate developments

"We will investigate how citizens deal with emotions in regard to real estate development and what that means for their participation in plan development. An example of such emotions is the anger that arose among citizens in the plans to build a Google headquarters in Berlin. The protests in Berlin eventually led to the annulment of the construction. In addition to negative emotions, real estate plans can also evoke enthusiasm, for example for the construction of new houses. New enthusiastic residents can be of great support in neighborhood development. "

Emotions in drama democracy

"Emotions play an extremely large role in our democracy. We live in a drama democracy. For the time being, the government often chooses to ignore or suppress the emotions of it’s citizens. Previous research provides indications that this is probably not an effective strategy. Through this research, we look forward to to finding out more and contribute to a better governance strategy in drama democracy."

Collaboration with University of California Berkeley

"This research is a collaboration between University of California Berkeley and Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR). For me, this is a huge opportunity to collaborate with influential international researchers. I am leaving for Berkeley around October this year. Both in Berkeley and Rotterdam, we will use experiments to investigate how people can regulate their emotions when it comes to real estate plans, and what that means for their participation in planning. "

Cooperation between public administration experts and psychologists

"It is an interdisciplinary study carried out by public administration experts and psychologists. Psychologists who are educated about emotions and their regulation alongside public administration experts who are educated about citizen participation. Professor Marise Born (EUR) and dr. Iris Mauss (Berkeley) are involved from psychology and professor Jurian Edelenbos and I from public administration (EUR). "

Motives of the Erasmus Trust Fund to give this research the Timeless Grant

"First of all, this research is very innovative in scientific terms. We plan to use research methods to measure emotions that have never been used in public administration. Secondly, the collaboration with Berkeley, an outstanding research university, is important. Knowledge exchange and international cooperation contributes to a thriving Erasmus University, which is a goal of The Erasmus Trust Fund Thirdly, we promote and support young talent, something that the Erasmus Trust Fund finds important. We are going to involve PhD students and two Bachelor students from the Honors program. "

Link with Erasmus Initiative Vital Cities and Citizens

"With this interdisciplinary research we contribute to vital cities, because we increase knowledge about emotions and engagement in urban development. Engagement is important for the vitality of cities. Good emotion regulation is directly linked to people's well-being. This research therefore contributes to vital citizens. "