Dr. ir. Jurgen Ganzevles

Jurgen Ganzevles joined the Rathenau Institute in September 2007. His main areas of interest are energy and climate. There is a risk that the energy debate will become bogged down in old arguments of the 1970s: solar energy versus nuclear energy, or 'soft energy' versus 'hard energy'. The Rathenau Institute wishes to promote a constructive discussion to avoid reaching a dead end, with proponents and opponents of the various options unwilling to consider alternatives. The social implications of policy in pursuit of sustainability must also be taken into account. Jurgen and his team are studying the relevant aspects based on three case studies: Texel, Rotterdam and ‘Energy Valley’ (as proposed by the Province of Noord-Nederland). Jurgen is particularly interested in public opinion with regard to the energy issue.

Academic background and career
Jurgen Ganzevles graduated in Electronic Engineering. In 2007, he was awarded a doctorate in Science and Technology Studies by the University of Twente. This discipline is concerned with the convergence of science, technology and society. His dissertation, Technologie voor Mens en Milieu ['Technology for people and the environment'] analyses the practice of technical design, and how designers can predict how the technology will actually be used within society. Prior to this research, Jurgen was on the staff of a project development consultancy specializing in environmentally responsible energy provision.