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
ASA Distinguished Scholarly Article Award for Bryan Boyle and Dieter Vandebroeck
Bryan and Dieter are co-winners of the American Sociological Association Labor and Labor Movements Section’s Distinguished Scholarly Article Award for their article "The Labor of Distinction: Butlers, Service Work, and the Production of Elite Lifestyles".
Interview with Prof. Vanroelen and Prof. Hofmans on mental health problems at work
The interview (in English and Dutch) was conducted to mark the launch of a new project, the HELIOS-VUB Chair for Mental Well-being at Work, funded by the HELIOS Foundation.
New FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship awarded to Marloes Hagenaars: From Print to Pupil
We are pleased to announce that Marloes Hagenaars has been awarded an FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship for her new research project “From Print to Pupil” (2026-2029).
NewVoices survey: First Round Raffle Results Announced
The winning numerical codes are listed below. If your code appears on the list, congratulations - you have won a €200 voucher.
Looking back on the Photovoice Symposium “From Camp to Campus”
On 21 May, the “From Camp to Campus” symposium brought together researchers and stakeholders at HIVA in Leuven to reflect on access to higher education in Flanders.
New comment in Knack: Long-term sick? Prevention is the best reintegration (in Dutch)
New commentary by Prof. Christophe Vanroelen (BRISPO – VUB) highlights the importance of shifting attention from reintegration to prevention in the workplace.
New Review paper Highlights Gaps in Participatory Research with Rural Children in Latin America
A new critical review examines how participatory research with children in rural Latin America continues to face challenges in the redistribution of power across research processes.
Fulltime position (100%) of Phd student & Teaching assistant in Sociology
PhD on how AI systems shape, reproduce, or challenge inequalities across domains such as public services, labour markets, education, or migration governance; deadline for application 15/06/2026.
Upcoming events
Top photo: Alex Wasey
