Frederic Vandermoere associate professor

Research Frederic Vandermoere

Research team

Expertise

Social scientific research and the provision of services in the policy domain of sustainability transitions.

Human biomonitoring project in the Hoboken area. 28/09/2023 - 20/12/2024

Abstract

This project uses human biomonitoring to investigate the current internal exposure of young people to environmental pollutants around the Umicore industrial site in Hoboken, Belgium. By linking internal exposure to levels in air, deposition, dust (indoors and outdoors), food (vegetables, eggs) and water, exposure routes will be identified that can underpin policy measures. In addition, internal exposure in the target group is associated with relevant health effects through exposure-effect relationships. For both exposure and health, the local situation is compared to reference populations and to internationally recognized health-based guidance values. In this way the severity of the situation can be estimated. In the study, CRESC takes care of the design of the participatory process along the research stages and also conducts a context analysis, using socio-demographic mapping and in-depth interviews.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

The role of knowledge and recognition in promoting just flood risk management in Flanders and abroad. 15/07/2023 - 14/07/2024

Abstract

Climate change, combined with urbanisation, is increasing flood risks worldwide. Mitigation efforts are insufficient to significantly reduce the likelihood of flooding, so adaptation is necessary. Flood risk adaptation strategies are brought into practice through flood risk management (FRM). FRM is often seen as a technological challenge, requiring engineering solutions. However, people experience floods in different ways, due to their location and social, physical, financial, or psychological characteristics. These differences in social vulnerability create inequalities in the capacity of people to deal with floods. There is therefore an urgent need to recognise these differences and address justice concerns through FRM policy and practice. However, a knowledge gap exists on how to make FRM more inclusive and just. This PhD project therefore addresses the following questions: (1) To what extent are differences in social vulnerability to floods recognised and addressed in national-level FRM policy and through FRM strategies? (2) How are differences in social vulnerability to floods understood by public authorities in FRM? Does that impact their attention to social vulnerability, and if so, in what way? And (3) what conditions are required to reduce social vulnerability to floods through FRM to enhance flood resilience? Answering these questions is highly relevant, because recognising the needs of socially vulnerable groups and the importance of individual and community capacity to contribute to FRM is crucial if public authorities want to increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of their policies, without exacerbating inequality in floods. The research questions are tackled using a qualitative, social-constructivist approach. A central focus is how attention to and understanding of social vulnerability to floods is constructed by policy as well as by the knowledge and expertise of stakeholders involved in FRM. Data were collected through analyses of policy documents and interviews, and parts of this PhD are also based on case study research, which provides the depth needed to explore justice and equality on a local level. The empirical data are collected in five papers, which form the basis of the PhD thesis. The papers are logically structured, starting broad and narrowing down to lower levels and scales. The first papers introduce the FRM context at a European and Flemish level, and the extent to which social vulnerability to floods is currently recognised as an issue. The consecutive papers zoom in on specific FRM strategies, and the role of individuals in FRM. Together, the chapters provide a coherent and novel storyline of social vulnerability and (in)equality in FRM. The first three years of this PhD are funded through BELSPO and the JPI Climate SOLARIS project (SOLidarity in climate change Adaptation policies: towards more socio-spatial justice in the face of multiple RISks). In those three years, empirical data have been collected and the majority of the papers have been written and published. The DOCPRO1 funding will be used to fund a fourth year, needed to finish the PhD. During the fourth year, the focus will be on finalising the last paper (and ensuring that those papers that have not been accepted yet, get published), writing the introduction and theoretical framework, contextualising the papers where necessary, and writing the discussion and conclusion.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Center of Expertise Environment and Health (2022-2027) 01/12/2022 - 30/11/2027

Abstract

This policy-oriented scientific research generates new human biomonitoring data and data from environmental measurements to examine to what extent and how adolescents in Flanders are exposed to environmental pressure and what this exposure does to the body. The study design is interdisciplinary. All Flemish universities, VITO, PIH and INBO contribute; VITO is the research coordinator. In this configuration, CRESC takes the lead of the social sciences aspects, including the research of socio-stratification in participation rates and study results, of risk perception, risk communication and stakeholder involvement in the study.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

QuadrupleP: Microbial protein for people, planet and profit. 01/12/2022 - 30/11/2024

Abstract

Microbial protein is an alternative and sustainable protein source in animal feed and human food. Previous research demonstrated excellent replacement potential of less sustainable, conventional protein sources in aquafeeds and human diets. This project addresses engineering and nonengineering challenges to develop and implement novel microbial protein processes and products that are technically and societally viable. For the production of purple bacteria and aerobic heterotrophs, innovative secondary and renewable feedstocks will be considered. Microbial culture control tools and downstream processing innovations will be developed, along with their automation, to optimize the nutritional and functional quality of the biomass. To support decision-making on the implementation of novel 3 protein products and technologies, environmental impacts and social acceptance factors will be determined. The environmental impact of products and processes will be evaluated using life cycle assessment to determine whether they are superior to conventional protein sources. Social scientific inquiries, such as interviews and surveys, will be conducted to elicit acceptance factors of products and technologies.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Towards a cultural sociology of sustainable citizenship: Understanding different ways of crafting sustainable citizenship through cultural repertoires. 01/11/2022 - 31/10/2024

Abstract

Current environmental problems force us to rethink notions of citizenship and specifically the role of citizens in addressing these issues. While scholarly debate often attempts to conceptualize sustainable citizenship (SC), there is less literature which examines empirically how social groups envision their role in addressing environmental issues. I aim to study sustainable citizenship from a bottom-up perspective by placing the social actor at the center of the analysis. A mixed methods research design will be used to examine how different social groups actively construct (or craft) sustainable citizenship. In contrast to most studies, I will apply a cultural lens to examine the cultural repertoires people employ to deal with environmental issues. By defining cultural repertoires both as cognitive frames and action scripts, this concepts provides an excellent framework to examine the multiple, inconsistent patterns that are part of crafting sustainable citizenship. This project uses a mixed-method research design to answer the research question: 'How do various social groups craft sustainable citizenship through the use of cultural repertoires?' Quantitative methods will examine and compare how different social groups relate to SC based on data of the Eurobarometer 95.1 (2021). Qualitative methods, based on reflexive diaries and semi-structured interviews, search for nuanced explanations of the quantitative findings.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Contextualizing the green gap: Public concerns, energy preferences, and energy consumption in Europe. 01/10/2021 - 30/09/2025

Abstract

This project is focusing on two themes: (i) the interrelated problems of climate change and energy security, and (ii) the complex relationships between environmental attitudes and environmentally friendly behavior. The first theme relates to the question of how European citizens perceive the problems of climate change and energy security. The second theme relates to the question if and how concerns about climate change and energy security translate into more sustainable energy preferences and a more sustainable usage of energy. To address these questions, the project uses a novel combination of data based on the module 'Public Attitudes to Climate Change' of the eighth wave of the European Social Survey as well as the national Household Budget Surveys. By doing so this interdisciplinary project offers a much needed social-scientific perspective on the relationships between energy security and climate change, thereby combining (a) a sociological and a socio-economic perspective and (b) integrating micro and macro approaches when looking for synergies and trade-offs between energy security and climate change policies in different countries across Europe.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Enviromics - Integrated Technologies in EcoSystems 01/01/2021 - 31/12/2026

Abstract

Enviromics is a multidisciplinary consortium of UAntwerpen researchers across the board of environmental sciences and technologies. Through impactful fundamental advances and interdisciplinary approaches across biology, (bio)chemistry and (bio)engineering, the consortium offers bio based solutions to ecosystem challenges by a strong interaction between three pillars (i) Environmental applications and nature based solutions, (ii) Sensing and analysis of chemicals and environments and (iii) Microbial technology and biomaterials, supported by sustainable product development and technology assessment. Through a renewed and tighter focus the ENVIROMICS consortium now signs for a leaner and more dynamic shape. Through intensified collaborations with different stakeholders, both national and international, the leverage for creating enhanced business and societal impact is reinforced. The consortium is strongly managed by a team of two highly profiled researchers partnered by an IOF manager and a project manager with clearly defined tasks and in close contact with the consortium members and the central Valorisation Unit of the university. The consortium has a strong and growing IP position, mainly on environmental/electrochemical sensing and microbial probiotics, two key points of the research and applications program. One spinoff was created in 2017 and two more will be setup in the coming three years. The direct interaction with product developers ensures delivering high TRL products. Next to a growing portfolio of industrial contracts, we create tangible societal impact, when relevant including citizen science approaches. Through the stronger leverage created by the new structure and partnerships we will develop both intertwined branches significantly.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

WaterValue: The value of tap water to the domestic customer. 01/07/2022 - 31/12/2023

Abstract

This project aims to gain insight into the perceived value of tap water by the Flemish domestic drinking water customer, its relationship with price perception, and the explanatory underlying factors through a combination of literature study, qualitative exploration and international comparative quantitative research.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Behavioural design: Mapping out challenges and opportunities. 01/07/2022 - 31/12/2023

Abstract

Behavioural design is increasingly recognised as a key method and strategy for enabling social change. However, as a sub-discipline of design, it is facing a number of key issues, including a lack of understanding of how it is actually used, and how effective it is. The suggested project seeks to address this in three ways, namely by : (1) Engaging directly with key stakeholders in both the private and public sectors to explore hon behavioural design is currently applied and understood. (2) conducting a systematic mapping review of relevant work in the public and private sector and (3) distributing a (short) online survey. The research should allow us to identify the challenges for stakeholders in understanding and applying behavioural design methods and techniques, and to develop a set of practical guidelines informed by both the practice of designers, and the academic knowledge of behavioural change experts. Deliverables will include an academic publication, at least one conference presentation and a stakeholder map that can serve as a foundation for further collaboration.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Towards a Sociology of Hope: Transition Narratives and Interaction Rituals in the Climate Justice Movement. 01/11/2019 - 31/10/2023

Abstract

The overwhelming reality of climate change often causes despair and inactivity among citizens. However, social movements that cultivate hope might counter this. Therefore, this project researches how the climate justice movement deals with hope. By investigating this, I aim to gain insight into social dynamics of hope and into the upcoming climate justice movement – there is much to be known about both topics. My innovation is to see hope as a social process, as something between people, rather than merely as an abstract idea. Because hope is something that people collectively 'think' and 'feel' I will also look at how hope relates to two sociological concepts in practice: first by looking at transition narratives - the stories people tell about how societies can get more sustainable. Second by looking at interaction rituals – the ways how people create excitement in situations like meetings or demonstrations. From these theoretical viewpoints, I will investigate two case studies: I will study first climate justice groups in Belgium, and then I will look at the anti-gas resistance in Groningen, the Netherlands. I will investigate how these movements deal with hope, by analyzing public documents, by observing and joining movements in their everyday functioning, by interviewing participants and finally by having a focus group. As such, I aim to contribute in building out an academic and socially relevant sociology of hope.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Class-based environmentalism: Towards a multidimensional and mixed methods approach. 01/11/2019 - 31/10/2023

Abstract

This project examines the relation between social class and environmentalism. Environmentalism refers to both attitudes about environmental problems and pro-environmental behaviour. The key research question is: "How and why do people from different social classes differ in their tendency towards environmentalism?" While previous research has been dominated by a unidimensional understanding of both social class and environmentalism, these approaches fail to appreciate the complexity of their relation. I argue that a multidimensional approach is needed because each social class dimension may relate differently to each dimension of environmentalism. Social class has an economic, cultural, social and socio-professional dimension. Environmentalism has an attitudinal dimension (the severity of environmental problems, its consequences, causes and solutions) and a behavioural dimension (behavioural practices and the reasons why people perform them). In this project, quantitative and qualitative data are combined into a mixed methods research design. Quantitative methods will examine and compare how social class dimensions relate to the dimensions of environmentalism, based on data (n= +/-1500) from the Flemish Survey on Socio-Cultural Shifts (2010, 2016, 2017) and the International Social Survey Programme (2010). Qualitative methods, based on interview data, search for explanations to understand why social class is related to environmentalism, thus explaining quantitative findings.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Exploring a community-based social justice approach in environmental health promotion. 19/12/2014 - 31/12/2016

Abstract

It is well known that a lower socioeconomic status is related to underrepresentation in environmental health promotion while socioeconomically less favored groups are precisely more exposed and more susceptible to weaker environmental quality and bad housing conditions. This research project explores an innovative public health/community development strategy to overcome unequal participation in environmental health promotion. In cooperation with a professional organization for health promotion and prevention, a concrete case of community empowerment will be addressed, implemented and evaluated.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Monitoring (opportunities for) citizen participation in the context of the Port of Antwerp. 15/10/2014 - 15/10/2015

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Port of Antwerp. UA provides the Port of Antwerp policy options to monitor and open up citizen involvement in its spatial and environmental management, including a sustainability indicator.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project

Elaboration on and Deepening of Research Focused on the Experience of Nuisance, Involvement and Participation, principally in the Context of the Antwerp Harbour Area. 16/07/2012 - 15/07/2013

Abstract

This project represents a research agreement between UA and on the other hand Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen (Port of Antwerp). UA provides Gemeentelijk Havenbedrijf Antwerpen results of a qualitative survey that maps main types of hindrances and perceptions of inhabitants (of the quality of the environment and competenties) that live in the surroundings of the port's right and left bank industrial zones. The research will also define strategies to cope with concerns of residents and to strenghten citizen participation.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project