wim bernasco appointed professor of urban geography of crime and safety at uva
Wim Bernasco has been named the Professor of Urban Geography of Crime and Safety at the University of Amsterdam, bridging urban geography and criminology for safer cities.
A Collaborative Effort
This prestigious position is a collaboration between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR). It aims to merge the academic fields of urban geography and criminology to foster safer urban environments. Bernasco’s appointment underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to address complex urban safety issues.
Bridging Geography and Criminology
Wim Bernasco’s work focuses on understanding why certain neighborhoods or streets feel less safe than others. His research investigates whether this perceived safety is influenced by the physical environment or the people one encounters. ‘Researching these questions is what I find most exciting,’ Bernasco stated. He is eager to collaborate with colleagues at the UvA, particularly those in the Urban Geographies research group.
Urban Dynamics and Safety
Cities are constantly changing, and these changes create spatial variations in crime and safety. Factors such as tourism, daily mobility, school choice, digitalization, and segregation all play a role in crime, nuisance, and safety management. Bernasco emphasizes the importance of studying how safety issues arise, diminish, and are perceived by residents. ‘Safety means not only avoiding victimization but also feeling free to move around without fear or discomfort,’ he explained.
Bernasco’s Academic Journey
Wim Bernasco studied psychology at Leiden University and earned his Ph.D. in social sciences from Utrecht University. He has been a senior researcher at NSCR since 2000 and previously held the position of Professor of Spatial Analysis of Crime at VU University Amsterdam from 2013 to 2023. His extensive background in both geography and criminology makes him uniquely qualified to lead this innovative research initiative.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Bernasco comes at a time when urban safety is a critical concern for many cities worldwide. His interdisciplinary approach is expected to yield valuable insights that can help urban planners, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies create safer and more inclusive urban spaces. With his new role, Bernasco is poised to make significant contributions to the field of urban geography and criminology.