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
NEW PUBLICATION: Dismantling urban sanctuary and the ‘migrant crisis’: the political economy of solidarity and providing support to asylum-seeking migrants in New York City
In this article, René Kreichauf critically engages with sanctuary policies in New York City, demonstrating how the city's recent "migrant crisis" has transformed notions and practices around sanctuary.
New book: "Socializing Inequality. Class, Culture and Cognition in Early Childhood"
Dieter Vandebroeck and Maaike Jappens are excited to present their new book co-written and co-edited with award-winning sociologist Annette Lareau.
Moment update: Media coverage and methodological insights
A look at how the Moment app is covered in the media and how it measures feelings of safety in real time.
VUB launches citizen science project on safety perceptions in Brussels
New “Moment” app maps where, when and why people feel (un)safe in real time.
Patrick Deboosere interviewed on VRT Radio
The programme (in Dutch), De wereld van Sofie, focused on fertility and the desire to have children.
New survey: Hot days and green spaces in Brussels for older adults (65+)
VUB (BRISPO and COSMOPOLIS), together with Sciensano, invite older adults (65+) to share their experiences through an online survey.
Job vacancy at BRISPO: 2 full-time PhD Scholarships
The BRISPO-VUB Sustainable Work Unit is looking for 2 PhD students for a new project “Helios-VUB Chair for Mental Well-being at Work”.
A new article co-authored by Fanny D’hondt on school-level stigma and supportive relationships
The article "School Matters: A Multilevel Analysis of Stigma, Supportive Relations and Adolescents’ Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitudes" was published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
Upcoming events
Practical info10/03/2026 - 14:00 - 10/03/2026 - 16:00European Social & Population Issues Lecture Series
10/03/2026: Loneliness, bereavement and neighborhood characteristics | Liesbeth De Donder (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Practical info11/03/2026 - 12:30 - 11/03/2026 - 14:00BRISPO Lunch Seminar: How Language Shapes Race. Exploring the intersection of language ideology and racism
The lecture will be delivered by Dr. Sibo R. Kanobana from Open University of the Netherlands.
Practical info11/03/2026 - 18:00 - 11/03/2026 - 20:00BRISPO and BIRMM's Movie Nights: "Les voyageurs"
Join us for free screenings about race, class and imperialism. Pleinlaan 5, 4th floor, Raadszaal.
Practical info17/03/2026 - 14:00 - 17/03/2026 - 16:00European Social & Population Issues Lecture Series
17/03/2026: Loneliness, mental health & risk factors | Matija Kovacic (University of Verona)
Practical info24/03/2026 - 14:00 - 24/03/2026 - 16:00European Social & Population Issues Lecture Series
24/03/2026: Loneliness among older migrants | Tineke Fokkema (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute)BRISPO and BIRMM's Movie Nights: "A City of Sadness"
Join us for free screenings about race, class and imperialism. Pleinlaan 5, 4th floor, Raadszaal.
Practical info21/04/2026 - 14:00 - 21/04/2026 - 16:00European Social & Population Issues Lecture Series
21/04/2026: The spatial dimensions of social connectedness | Tulya Su Guven (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Practical info28/04/2026 - 14:00 - 28/04/2026 - 16:00European Social & Population Issues Lecture Series
28/04/2026: Linking loneliness and social isolation to political participation and attitude formation | Alexander Langenkamp (Goethe University Frankfurt) -- This lecture will be only live streamed
Top photo: Alex Wasey
