As of 1 January 2022, Philip Hans Franses is appointed as Professor of Quantitative Methods in Law (0.2 fte) at Erasmus School of Law. He combines this with his primary position as Professor of Applied Econometrics at Erasmus School of Economics. The chair of Quantitative Methods in Law offers the unique opportunity to apply quantitative methods and techniques on legal matters. The chair also enables further collaboration between Erasmus School of Law and Erasmus School of Economics in their education and research.
The questions policymakers, governing bodies, legislators, judges, and companies look at nowadays often demand a broader, multidisciplinary approach, which is why bridges are built increasingly between the legal and economic disciplines.
Deeply rooted answers to seemingly simple questions
Franses is the most prominent econometrist of the Netherlands, according to academic research in 2020. For years, his articles and books have significantly influenced the reputation of econometrics in the Netherlands, especially in Rotterdam. His work is characterised by his ambition for answering seemingly simple, practical questions. This ambition results in questions of a diverse nature, with answers that are always deeply rooted in the most modern, sometimes even newly developed, econometric models.
In addition to his professorship, Franses is also Vice Dean of reputation and impact at Erasmus School of Law. Furthermore, from 2006 to 2019, he was Dean of Erasmus School of Economics. His academic background, extensive experience and broad field of interest make him pre-eminently fit for expanding his work area with questions with a legal signature.
Quantitative methods within law
In the coming years, the research of Erasmus School of Law focuses, amongst others, on the recalibration of public interests in private understandings and Empirical Legal Studies. These focal points are based on the Sectorplan Rechtsgeleerdheid.
As Professor of Quantitative Methods in Law, Franses will focus on expanding the knowledge and education on quantitative methods and techniques within a legal framework. That focus is inextricably linked to the already started (quantitative) empirical legal research within Erasmus School of Law.
Franses is looking forward to his new role at Erasmus School of Law: "Empirical Legal Studies is a beautiful and new field of study within law, and I will gladly do my best to contribute to this. My experience in giving the minor "Quantitative understanding for legal practitioners" is that the interest for quantitative subjects is increasing amongst students."
The chair fits perfectly within the profile of Erasmus School of Law, a School that is deeply embedded in society on a social and a business level. This profile demands multidisciplinary collaboration to guarantee high-quality research and education and the School's positioning both nationally and internationally.
The board of Erasmus School of Law congratulates Philip Hans Franses on his appointment and wishes him good luck with his activities.
- Professor
