Professional Summary
Wouter Van Rossem is a researcher on the intersection between social science and computer science. He previously worked on the European Research Council (ERC) funded project, Processing Citizenship, where he investigated how data infrastructures for population processing co-produce citizens, Europe, and territory. He completed his PhD at the University of Twente in the Netherlands and is still working on publications stemming from these impactful projects.
In addition to his academic pursuits as a PhD at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, he brings a diverse background as a software engineer, having worked in various companies and at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Italy. His diverse background, spanning both theoretical and hands-on knowledge, reflects his keen interest in exploring the intricate interconnections between technology and society.
Education
PhD in Science, Technology, and Policy Studies
University of Twente
Postgraduate in Science, Technology, and Policy Studies
Netherlands Graduate Research WTMC
MsC in Business Administration
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
MsC in Applied Computer Science
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
BSc in Computer Science
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Interests
Intersections between IT (big data, AI, ML) and societal impacts.
Mutual shaping of IT, organizations, and work through user-design relations.
Bureaucracies and interoperability within government systems.
Digital methods in social science research.
Identification systems, digital identity, surveillance, and security.
Skills
Technical
Back-end software development (Java EE, Node.js)
Demonstrated proficiency in developing business-grade software applications, complemented by an aptitude for collaborative teamwork and adaptability in utilizing appropriate tools and methodologies.
Data and softare modeling and design
Extensive background and interest in data modeling and information systems design.
Quantitative and qualitative research
Proficient in social science research methods, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative approaches such as interviewing users of software applications and organizational fieldwork.
Academic and professional writing
Proven track record of writing and presenting research findings at international academic and research outlets.
Languages
English (C2)
Dutch (Mother tongue)
French (B2)
Italian (B1)
Korean (A2)
Featured Publications
The Ontology Explorer: A method to make visible data infrastructures for population management
This article introduces the methodology of the ‘Ontology Explorer’, a semantic method and JavaScript-based open-source tool to analyse data models underpinning information systems.
Recent Publications
(2025).
Bridging silos or adding friction? The data work behind re-identification across interoperable data infrastructures.
Big Data & Society.
(2025).
Manifesto on the Datafication of Mobility Across Borders.
Engaging Science, Technology, and Society.
(2024).
Scripts of alterity: mapping assumptions and limitations of the border security apparatus through classification schemas.
Science, Technology, & Human Values.
(2022).
The Ontology Explorer: A method to make visible data infrastructures for population management.
Big Data & Society.
(2021).
Sensing European alterity: an analogy between sensors and hotspots in transnational security networks.
Sensing in/Security: Sensors as Transnational Security Infrastructures.
Selected Projects
Here are a selection of projects that I have worked on over the years.
PhD dissertation
My dissertation investigates the interplay between data matching technologies, identification practices, and transnational commercialized security infrastructures, particularly …
Processing Citizenship
From 2018-2023 I was part of the European Research Council (ERC) funded Processing Citizenship project investigating the digital registration of migrants as co-production of …
Brussels Games Festival
Between 2013 and 2016, I was involved with Ludiris, a non-profit association dedicated to hosting a board games festival in Brussels.
Talks & Events
PhD Defence Wouter van Rossem | Finding blind spots: Investigating identity data matching in transnational commercialized security infrastructures and beyond
The PhD defence of Wouter van Rossem took place in the Waaier building of the University of Twente and could be followed by a live stream.
Presentation at STS Italia 2023: 'An analysis of identity management system interfaces using data matching software'
Presentation at STS Italia in Bologna in Panel 12 'The interfaces that inform security knowledge and practice'.
Panel 'Management of identities in transnational, supranational, and commercial reconfigurations'
For the end of the ERC Processing Citizenship project, we organised a conference in Bologna to share the results of our endeavours during two days of presentations, debates, …
ERC Roundtable at 'Migration Data Governance'
Presented the Processing Citizenship project together with Dr. Chiara Loschi in 'Panel II - ERC Roundtable' at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa.