Dr. Sjoerd Van Alten

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Sjoerd van Alten is a PhD candidate and Research Associate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam specializing in the Economics department. His research focuses on human capital formation, geno-economics, and health economics. Van Alten has contributed to various projects examining the genetic differences in causal effects on education, cognitive functioning, and dementia diagnosis. He completed his Master of Philosophy in Economics at the Tinbergen Institute from September 1, 2017, to July 23, 2019, and previously earned a Master's degree in Economics & Business Economics from Utrecht University, completing his studies there from September 1, 2014, to August 31, 2017. He has been involved in academic collaborations and has received recognition for his work, including being a semifinalist for the Charles J. Epstein Award in 2021. Van Alten is also actively teaching courses, such as Human Capital and Quantitative Research Methods II, in 2025 and has contributed to media discussions related to his research interests.

Research Interests

Experience

Research Associate

— Present

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam • Amsterdam, Netherlands

Conducting research in the field of economics, focusing on human capital and health.

Awards

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Charles J. Epstein Award

2021-10-19
#

ODISSEI Microdata Access Grant (MAG)

2021-07-23

Requirements for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field 12 ECTS in Research Methods/Statistics 12 ECTS in Clinical Diagnosis/Assessment
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Official Transcripts
  • Motivation Letter
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Administered under the Department of Clinical Psychology for Master's in Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology.