Anne Harmsen
Project Associate,Utrecht University
Year of birth: 1997
Current position: Project Associate | Religious Matters, Utrecht University As a Project Associate, I am responsible for the development and maintenance of all websites connected to the Religious Matters project. My work focuses on improving accessibility and communication, ensuring that academic content is presented in a clear and engaging way to diverse audiences. I am involved in the educational platform Omstreden Zaken ("Contested Matters"), where I contribute to both the technical and substantive aspects of the project. I manage the website and am currently writing a new teaching module about heritage. Omstreden Zaken is a Dutch-language platform that offers high school teachers academically grounded lesson modules on the role of religion in society. The modules are designed for use in subjects such as religious studies, citizenship education, history, art, and social studies.
Past positions: I have a background in Religious Studies and a commitment to interdisciplinary education, public scholarship, and dialogue between cultures. I hold a research master’s degree in Religious Studies and have professional training in mediation, which informs my approach to complex societal questions. My work bridges the gap between academic research and public engagement. I enjoy working with people, facilitating meaningful conversations, and translating research into accessible formats for broader audiences.