Daan Weggemans, programme director Security Studies

Social impact

‘Security and safety issues are all around us. Our programme is dynamic and deals with important contemporary threats such as cyber security, terrorism, health crises and natural disasters. We analyse them in research, but also in education. In the bachelor Security Studies we do not only want to understand the impact and effects of safety and security threats from a scientific perspective but also contribute to the right solution for a phenomenon. It is also the task of scientists to subject possible solutions from the government or public authorities to a critical scientific view.’

Interdisciplinary study

‘In our programme we use the philosophy of explore, understand and do. First we explore: what do we know already? In the second phase, we want to understand. We look at existing theories and concepts to understand the subject. Afterward, we start to ‘do’. How can we prevent or deal with the problem once it materializes? Our approach is not based on one discipline. Issues in the field of safety and security often exceed the disciplinary frameworks, and that is why I think it is essential to study it from an interdisciplinary perspective.’

Critical students

‘It is important that prospective students of Security Studies have a critical attitude towards what they read and hear. We train them to be academics who are not afraid to ask questions. Of course, not all students become active in science, but we aim to equip them all with critical thinking skills. I also advise students to follow current affairs with a broader view. In the area of security and safety, there are no ready-made solutions and causes, and that should appeal to you if you want to study Security Studies.’

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