Addiction Sciences and Forensic Care

The professorship of Addiction Sciences and Forensic Care focuses on individuals experiencing complex challenges. These challenges may involve substance use‑related issues, mental health concerns, forms of problematic behavior, or interactions with criminal justice agencies. Many of these individuals have limited access to supportive social networks and benefit from dedicated, context‑sensitive, and appropriate support.

Working with this target group is challenging for professionals. The problems are complex, various organisations from different sectors are involved and the field is under pressure due to changing legislation and limited resources.

The professorship is a collaboration between Hanze and Verslavingszorg Noord Nederland. Within the research theme Equal opportunities & participation, we study how care and support for people with complex addiction and safety issues – and their surroundings – can be improved.

In several professional learning communities, we work together with those directly affected, as well as with practitioners, students and researchers. Our goal is to achieve better collaboration, develop innovative solutions and create sustainable forms of support. Central to our approach are practice-oriented research, the integration of scientific and practical knowledge and the strength of cooperation between all parties involved.