Mission and Vision
RISE, the Research Center for Resilience, Inclusion & Sustainable Employability, is an academic research center at the University of Antwerp. We investigate how individuals and organizations can respond to and cope with the challenges of a changing work context in ways that foster resilience, stimulate inclusion, and support sustainable careers. Our research addresses questions such as: How do people build meaningful and lasting careers? How can diverse teams and inclusive workplaces thrive? And how can organizations adapt while maintaining performance and well-being?
Anchored in fundamental, theory-driven research, RISE draws on organizational studies, human resource management, and career sciences. We adopt an interdisciplinary approach to generate academically rigorous and societally relevant insights that contribute to both scientific debates and practical applications.
RISE is embedded in the Faculty of Business and Economics (Department of Management) at the University of Antwerp and collaborates closely with Antwerp Management School (AMS). As part of a broader ecosystem of research initiatives on work and careers, RISE provides a fundamental, theory-driven perspective that complements the more practice-oriented focus of initiatives such as Next Generation Work at AMS. These synergies allow us to connect academic insights with organizational relevance. We also maintain strong collaborations with initiatives such as the GOVTRUST Centre of Excellence and other research groups within the Department of Management. Through these collaborations, RISE remains connected to a dynamic academic environment that addresses complex societal and organizational challenges from multiple perspectives.
Research Lines
Resilience & Organizational Change
This research line explores how organizations deal with ongoing change, disruption, and complexity. It examines how both public and private organizations can remain resilient while safeguarding employee well-being, trust, and performance. We study the effects of reforms, restructurings, and external shocks on organizational functioning and identify the conditions under which change becomes a source of renewal rather than instability. The focus lies on understanding the behavioral and structural drivers of adaptability within teams and institutions.
Inclusion & Diversity in the Workplace
This research line focuses on how organizations can leverage diversity to enhance team dynamics, innovation, and employee engagement. We investigate how factors such as age, gender, and cultural background influence collaboration, and how inclusive leadership and HR practices can reduce bias and strengthen a sense of belonging. The research addresses both the challenges and opportunities of increasing workplace diversity and provides evidence-based recommendations for building inclusive, high-performing work environments.
Sustainable Careers & Employability
This research line explores how individuals can remain employable and engaged throughout their careers, from a life course and life stage perspective. Key themes include career development, learning and reskilling, career transitions, and the interplay between personal ambitions and organizational support. We examine how careers are shaped by changing labor markets and organizational contexts, and how employers can foster long-term employability and job satisfaction through supportive policies and practice-oriented initiatives.
