Dr. Stijn Van Deursen

Biography

Stijn van Deursen is an Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Molengraaff Institute for Private Law at Utrecht University. His research primarily focuses on the evolving role of judges in the face of an increasing number of socially and politically sensitive issues brought before the courts. He examines how judges should shape their relationships with societal domains and the parties involved in legal proceedings, as well as political authorities. Utilizing multidimensional research methods, Stijn draws inspiration from innovative approaches developed within the legal domain. He is currently involved in an international empirical research project that investigates the methods judges use to ensure the legitimacy of decisions in Public Interest Litigation cases, conducted in collaboration with Tilburg University and funded by NWO. His PhD research addressed the desirable societal impact of judicial decision-making. Additionally, he has explored the opportunities and risks associated with the use of algorithms in the public sector, including the influence of the Chinese Belt & Road Initiative on international academic collaborations. Stijn teaches master’s and bachelor’s courses in private and public law and is part of the core team for the Behaviour & Institutions research platform, a strategic theme of the Open Societies Law department's ELS Lab. He is also a member of the knowledge network on judicial decision making at the Dutch Council Judiciary, chair of the LEG PhD Council, and a member of the LEG Board Research.

Research Interests

Experience