As part of this Honorary Fellowship, Miltenburg will focus on improving the relationship between society and politics. ‘A well-functioning government, strong ties between the members of a society and the feeling that citizens have an affinity with the world of politics are important prerequisites for a resilient society and a strong democracy. These conditions can come under pressure from social inequalities between people and between groups. Do people still trust politicians and feel represented by the government? And do people still trust each other and society?’

Bridging the gap

Another important aim of the fellowship is to bridge the gap between research and practice. By putting researchers in touch with each other, Miltenburg will be able to bring together the knowledge requirements of the policy world and the SCP on the one hand and fundamental research at the university on the other. Miltenburg is affiliated with the Challenges to Democratic Representation programme group at the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR).