Professor Dr. Freek Colombijn

Biography

Freek Colombijn is a professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he specializes in social sciences. His current research focuses on sustainable lifestyles and the paradox of non-eco-friendly behavior in urban contexts, particularly involving waste-pickers in Indonesian cities. He has been involved in long-term projects exploring environmental history in Central Sumatra from 1600 to 1870. Additionally, Colombijn's work extends to quality of life studies among kidney dialysis patients in the Netherlands. He has received multiple teaching awards and was honored with the Professor Teeuw Award for promoting Indonesian-Dutch cooperation in the field of arts and sciences in 2007. His expertise aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and he is actively involved in promoting PEOple-centred development approaches through various projects and research initiatives. He has also contributed to academic discourse through lectures and presentations, including his involvement in examining PhD theses related to waste management challenges in urban Indonesia. Colombijn has collaborated with numerous researchers, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to social research in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards