The Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies (BRISPO) is an interdisciplinary research centre composed of sociologists, demographers, economists, psychologists, statisticians, and human geographers. Its members conduct research on the socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic dimensions of patterns of social inequality within Belgium, Europe, and beyond.
Recent news
Five Traditions of Quantitative Research on Racism - New review article in Sociology Compass
Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe reviews the research traditions on explicit attitudes, implicit bias, discriminatory behavior, migration policies, racial disparities, and personal experiences of discrimination.
New policy brief about ethnic diversity in the Federal public services
Why are ethnic minorities underrepresented in Belgium’s federal public sector? Read the key findings and recommendations from the FedDiverse project led by Bert Leysen and Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe.
New article “Linked lives and work-family dynamics: gendered workload, family support, and mental well-being among urban Chinese dual-earner households”
The paper by Meixuan Li, Lara Stas, Christophe Vanroelen and Deborah De Moortel was published in the International Journal for Equity in Health.
Public PhD defence of Bryan Boyle
On 23 October 2025, Bryan Boyle successfully defended his doctoral dissertation entitled "Labour of Distinction: Notebooks of an Apprentice Butler".
The hidden costs of labour flexibility
An interview by ACV Puls with Professor Christophe Vanroelen [in Dutch].
Vote for Marloes Hagenaars – Flemish PhD Cup 2025 Audience Award
Our colleague Marloes Hagenaars is one of the eight finalists of the Flemish PhD Cup 2025 – and now the public can vote for their favourite presentation!
Congratulations to Tulya and Edith for obtaining FWO PhD Fellowships!
This year, 13% of all awarded FWO PhD fellowships have been granted to researchers at the VUB.
New publication by Bert Leysen and Pieter-Paul Verhaeghe
New study found no discrimination in the CV-screening phase for governmental vacancies, except for a significant gender bias.
Upcoming events
Practical info11/12/2025 - 09:00 - 11/12/2025 - 11:00Public PhD defence of Leandros Kavadias
The defence will take place at the University of Groningen. Online livestream will be also available.
Practical info15/12/2025 - 09:30 - 15/12/2025 - 14:00Closing meeting of the HELICON - BRAIN-be project
Unravelling the long-term and indirect health impact of the COVID-19 crisis in Belgium.
Practical info18/12/2025 - 16:00 - 18/12/2025 - 18:30BrIAS Seminar: Leandros Kavadias on schooled society
The lecture is a presentation of the PhD thesis of Leandros Kavadias titled 'Paradoxes of the schooled society: Investigating the centrality of schooling and its institutional effects from a global perspective'.
Practical info15/02/2026 - 23:58 - 15/02/2026 - 23:59Call for Abstracts for the Session "Migrant mental health and healthcare utilization"
The session is organised as a part of the ESHMS 2026 Conference in Hamburg (19-21 August 2026). Submission deadline is February 15th, 2026.
Top photo: Alex Wasey
