I am a sociologist, working at the Centre for research and development in education and life long learning (PLATO) of the University of Leiden.
My main field of study as a lecturer and researcher is the transformation of organizations in a knowledge economy and the resulting consequences for professional development. In a number of projects I studied the qualities of the working environment as a learning environment.
Social research can support organizational development through discovering and mobilizing the learning potential of organizations. Strategies for action research are needed here. I have obtained my doctorate with a dissertation on developments in practice-oriented research.
The growing interdependence of learning and professional practice is also significant for university education. I have laid the foundation of one of the first experiments with a dual study programme in university education. In such a dual programme the study trajectory is integrated with a formative work trajectory in professional practice.