Health and Demographic Research

About us

Hedera (Health and Demographic Research) conducts theory-driven empirical research at the intersection of Health Sociology and Social Demography, with a particular focus on themes like loneliness and social isolation, medication use, health-related stigma and preventive health. Our work is organized around two interrelated research streams, which respectively examine how social structures and cultural dynamics shape health across the population and diverse sociodemographic groups.

How we study health...

In our research, we employ a combination of advanced quantitative and qualitative approaches:

• Quantitative methods and analyses: including data collection techniques such as video vignette studies and school surveys, alongside analytical techniques such as multilevel modelling, longitudinal analysis, and Hierarchical APC modelling.
• Qualitative methods and analyses: including data collection techniques such as in-depth (longitudinal) interviews, focus groups, ethnographic (participant) observation, (n)ethnography, photovoice, alongside analytical techniques such as reflexive thematic analysis, critical and other forms of discourse analysis, positioning theory, narrative analysis.
• Applied methods and analyses: quantitative and qualitative Delphi studies

Team 

Here you can find an overview of our team members.

Research

Ongoing projects

Past projects

• BENZOCARE (English/Dutch)
• RED NOSE: LONELINESS (English/Dutch)
• PROCEDURAL JUSTICE IN LOCAL APPROACHES OF MUTLICULTURAL CONFLICTS
• REMEDI (funded by BELSPO, 202-2023)
• VAX-TRUST (funded by Horizon 2020, 2021-2024)
• COVID-19, FAMILY RELATIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH (funded by FWO, 2021-2023)
• RED NOSE, STIGMA (funded by FWO, 2018-2021)
• Benzonet (funded by BELSPO, 2019-2021)
• Social inequalities in cancer prevention care and fundamental social causes: a comparative study of innovative technologies and (in)effective policies (funded by FWO & SNFS Lead Agency, in collaboration with Prof. Claudine Jeangros-Burton, University of Geneva, 2018-2021)
• Stigma and chronic pain: How does stigma get under the skin? (funded by FWO, in collaboration with Prof. Liesbet Goubert (PI), 2018-2020)
• Blood donation regimes theory revisited: Organizational and institutional determinants of blood donation in a European cross-national and cross-temporal perspective (funded by FWO, in collaboration with Prof. Lesley Hustinx (PI), 2017-2020)
• Juridische praktijktesten naar discriminatie op de private huurwoningmarkt in Gent: de proactieve fase (funded by Stad Gent, 2017)
• Education and mental health in an era of educational expansion (funded by FWO, 2014-2018)
• (De)constructing health news: A transdisciplinary investigation into news media coverage of elderly-related health issues (GOA, in collaboration with Prof. Daniël Biltereyst, Prof. Thierry Christiaens, Prof. Geert Jacobs & Prof. Karin Raeymaeckers, 2014-2018)
• Bing Research Project 3: Ontwikkeling van de vernieuwde versie van de medewerkersmonitor & integratie van de schatting van psychosociale risico’s in de medewerkersmonitor (2014-2015)
• Bing Research Project 2: Onderzoek naar de kwaliteit van de medewerkersmonitor als meetinstrument om de algemene tevredenheid van medewerkers in woon- en zorgcentra in Vlaanderen te evalueren (2014-2015)
• Bing Research Project 1: Onderzoek naar de kwaliteit van de bewonersmonitor als meetinstrument om de algemene tevredenheid van de bewoners in woon- en zorgcentra in Vlaanderen te evalueren (2013-2014)
• Relationships in a post-divorce era and the subjective wellbeing of women and men: a social relational perspective (funded by FWO, 2012-2015)
• Divorce and separation in Flanders II: An analysis of risk and enabling factors, consequences and policy implications (SBO-IWT, in collaboration with Prof. Dimitri Mortelmans (University of Antwerp, PI), Prof. Koen Matthijs (KU Leuven) & Prof. Jan Van Bavel (KU Leuven), 2010-2013)
• Divorce and separation in Flanders I: Risk factors, consequences and policy implications (SBO-IWT, in collaboration with Prof. Dimitri Mortelmans (University of Antwerp, PI), Prof. Koen Matthijs (KU Leuven) & Prof. Jan Van Bavel (KU Leuven), 2007-2010)

Education 

Hedera is responsible for organizing the following courses within the domain of Health Sociology and Social Demography in the Sociology program at Ghent University:

• Sociology of Health and Illness (Master Sociology): This course examines the fundamental social causes of health and illness. It covers topics such as sickness models, health inequalities, medicalization, and preventive health, while also providing a unique perspective on the institutional determinants of health.
• Migration and Integration (Master Sociology): This course provides a framework for analyzing issues related to migration and integration. It addresses sociological approaches at the micro, meso, and macro levels and explores topics such as ethnic residential segregation, religious practices, interethnic relations, and discrimination.
• Seminar on Health Sociology (3rd-year Bachelor in Sociology): This course develops the skills needed to apply health sociological frameworks to real-world settings and situations.

Hedera is also involved in other courses at Ghent University and at other universities, including:

• Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Work and Health – Master of Science in Nursing and Midwifery (Ghent University)
• Health Sociology – Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences (jointly offered by Ghent University and the Free University of Brussels)
• Drugs That Changed the World I– Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ghent University)
• Global Health Challenges – Master of Science in Global Health (jointly offered by the five Flemish universities in Belgium: Ghent University, University of Antwerp, Catholic University of Leuven, Free University of Brussels, and Hasselt University; detailed information is available here: https://masterglobalhealth.be/)

Prospective PhD students and postdocs

Looking to apply for an individual fellowship?

Are you considering an FWO individual fellowship? Master’s or doctoral students interested in pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral FWO fellowship at Hedera are encouraged to contact Katrijn Delaruelle or Bart Van de Putte. We provide guidance and support in preparing your application.
We also support excellent postdocs and recent PhD graduates who wish to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) fellowship on one of our main research themes. More information on MSCA fellowships at Ghent University is available here.

Are you an international student with your own fellowship looking for a supervisor?

Doctoral candidates with external funding who want to conduct research aligned with our core themes and join a dynamic research group are invited to apply for our biannual calls. More information about these calls can be found here.

Do you want to do a short research stay with us?

Hedera aims to foster a vibrant research culture by welcoming self-funded academic visitors from around the world. While there is no minimum stay, we recommend visiting for at least three months. Visitors receive workspace, IT facilities, and support, and are invited to participate in our research activities. Prospective visitors should contact Katrijn Delaruelle or Bart Van de Putte with a concrete research plan.

Vacancies

Future openings will be announced on our Hedera Facebook page and LinkedIn page, so be sure to follow us!

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