About Ramón

Ramón Spaaij investigates complex social problems identifying solutions that create and sustain thriving and inclusive communities as Professor of Sociology at Victoria University. His intentionally broad research agenda explores how conflicts and inequities that threaten social cohesion can be transformed toward more harmonious community relationships. Ramón is an international expert on terrorism and lone actors. His research supports disengagement from and prevention of violent extremism. He co-leads the Applied Security Science Partnership (ASSP), a multi-disciplinary applied team including researchers and practitioners from Victoria University, Victoria Police, Defence Science and Technology, and community groups. He partners with organisations global to local, to develop capacity-building resources and inform policy and practice. Ramón takes a collaborative and participatory approach to research that creates deep relationships between academics, industry and community. He has been commissioned for 80+ reports and briefings to national governments and organisations around the world such as the United Nations, European Commission, US Department of Justice, and Radicalisation Awareness Network. He’s an advisor for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Ramón holds secondary academic appointments at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and Stellenbosch University in South Africa. He has a PhD in Sociology from the University of Amsterdam. He has a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Leiden University. Ramón is the author of 11 monographs, 8 edited books, and more than 160 peer-reviewed journal articles.