Social Work
We believe it is important that people, groups and communities living in vulnerable circumstances receive the support they need in order to participate in society to their full ability.
At the Research Group Social Work, we contribute to this by conducting practice‑based research focused on strengthening the methodological practice of social workers.
Areas of expertise
Methodical Practice
Through our research, we strengthen the social and pedagogical foundations that benefit both individuals and society.
Interprofessional collaboration
We support our partners in the challenging process of interprofessional collaboration.
Impact of social work
How can we evaluate the outcomes of social work while ensuring that people’s lived experiences remain central?
Would you like to know more or are you interested in collaborating?
Please contact us.
Margriet Braun
Our focus
The Research Group Social Work has three main focus areas.
Opportunity Rich Upbringing and Youthcare Quality
Within the Opportunity‑Rich Upbringing and Youthcare Quality programme, practice-based research is conducted on the methodological practice of youth care professionals and the outcomes of youth care. This includes both specialised youth care and the preventive (or early‑support) field. The two key focus areas are ‘strengthening the pedagogical foundation’ and ‘quality of youth care’.
Co-existence and community
In the focus area 'Co-existence and community', we aim to improve the quality of community life. We focus on factors at both societal and organisational level. Consistent throughout this focus area is the pursuit of an inclusive society that encourages prosperity, advocates equality of opportunity and where people look out for each other.
Mental Health in Social Domain
In the ‘Mental Health in Social Domain’ focus area, we conduct research that focuses on how social work can contribute to preventing and supporting psychosocial distress and mental health problems. In this research inter-professional collaboration and narrative research are prioritised.
News from the Research Group
How can we collaborate?
We work with professional partners, businesses and social organisations in healthcare, welfare and with local authorities, students and citizens. We establish and implement joint projects. Would you like to start a research project with us? Get in touch to explore our goals, research ideas, and funding opportunities.
Exchanging and sharing knowledge is important to us. Do your organisation or company’s interests overlap with one of our research areas? We are happy to collaborate and share our knowledge at meetings, workshops, events or as part of a network.
Together with our partners, we ensure the development, evaluation and implementation of research, products and services for professional practice, education and science. We are happy to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Would you like to know more about our current collaborations?
Read moreOur projects
Our partners
Our researchers
dr. Margriet Braun
Professor Social Work
Dr. Monique Engelbertink
Associate Professor Mental Health
dr. Tamar Shiboleth
Associate Professor Opportunity Rich Upbringing and Youthcare Quality
Jill Alink
Management assistent
Charlotte van der Helm
Communication co-operator/project support
Marijke Heideman - Koop
Project support
dr. Astrid Altena
Senior lector/researcher
Anne Boer
Senior lector/researcher
Ben Boksebeld, MSc
Teacher/researcher
Eva Dieterich, MA
Teacher/researcher
Lieneke Ebbe, MA
Teacher/researcher
dr. Peter Gramberg
Senior lector/researcher
Eli Haafkens, MSc
Teacher/researcher
dr. Linda Hoek-Lenferink
Researcher
dr. Ellen Oosterkamp-Szwajcer
Senior lector/researcher
Lonneke Siegers - Quast, MA
Teacher/researcher
Leonie Slots, MSc
Lecturer/researcher
dr. Angelique Tinga
Senior lector/researcher
Eline Verschoor, MA
Teacher/researcher
dr. Jelte van Waterschoot
Teacher/researcher
Viviènne Smit - Wolterink, MA
Teacher/researcher
Annette Zwiep, MSc
Project leader Workshop Social Domain Twente
Dr. Elisa ter Harmsel-Duinhof
Lector/researcher
Collaboration Research Group, professionals and education
Researchers also teach students studying the bachelor’s degree in Social Work and the master’s degree in Health Care & Social Work. This ensures that the link between research and education is maintained.
Related programmes
The Research Group is involved in the following programmes: