Stijn van Deursen (he/him) is an Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Molengraaff Institute for Private Law. His research focuses on the evolving role and position of judges in a time when an increasing number of socially and politically sensitive issues are being brought before the courts. In particular, he examines how judges should shape their relationship with different societal domains, the parties involved in legal proceedings, and political authorities. In his research, Stijn frequently employs multidimensional research methods, drawing inspiration from innovative approaches developed outside the legal domain.

Currently, Stijn is involved in an international, empirical research project investigating the methods judges use to ensure the legitimacy of their decisions in Public Interest Litigation cases. This project is conducted in collaboration with Tilburg University and is funded by NWO.

He obtained his PhD with a study on the (desirable) role of societal impact in judicial decision-making. Previously, he explored, among other topics, the opportunities and risks associated with the use of algorithms in the public sector and the influence of the Chinese Belt & Road Initiative on international academic collaborations.

Stijn teaches both master's and bachelor's courses in the fields of private and public law.

Currently, Stijn is part of the core team of the research platform Behaviour & Institutions within the strategic theme Institutions for Open Societies. Earlier, he was the chair of the LEG PhD Council, member of the LEG Board of Research and a member of the board of the Ius Commune research school.