Since 2015 I am a senior researcher at the Centre for Science and Technology Studies (CWTS) of Leiden University in the Netherlands. I am responsible for the research line on modelling the research system within the Quantitative Science Studies (QSS) research group. In addition to my scientific research, I am also a bibliometric consultant at the CWTS.

In 2008 I obtained my Master in sociology (cum laude) from the University of Amsterdam (2008). Coming from a computer science background, and taking up mathematics during my studies in sociology, I went on to obtain a PhD in applied mathematics in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium (2013). During my PhD I studied methods for detecting communities in complex networks, resulting in a Python software package. In addition, I applied this methodology in several fields across the (social) sciences, ranging from citation networks to international relations.

My main interests are mathematical models in the social sciences with a focus on (social) networks, including topics such as complex networks, social influence (as in opinion dynamics and the like), and conflict. At CWTS I am responsible for the research line that develops mathematical models of the research system. In particular, we try to understand how proposed changes to the research system affect its dynamics. There are topics where hopefully math can meet the social sciences.