Naomi van Stapele steps down as professor Inclusive Education

As of 1 January 2026, Dr Naomi van Stapele has stepped down from her role as professor (lector) Inclusive Education. The research group is part of THUAS’ Centre of Expertise (CoE) Global & Inclusive Learning.

Over the past five years, Naomi has played an important role in the development and positioning of the Inclusive Education research group. She has been instrumental in strengthening the connection between research, education and societal practice, with a consistent focus on Community-Led Research and Action (CLRA) and on building meaningful collaborations with communities and professional partners.

Continuing her work at Movisie

Naomi has recently started a new position at Movisie as Lead Climate Justice as a Social Responsibility. In this role, she is able to further deepen and apply her expertise in CLRA, both within educational contexts and in close collaboration with communities and residents in neighbourhoods, an area closely connected to her work over the past years.

Ongoing involvement with THUAS

Although Naomi has stepped down as professor, she remains affiliated with THUAS in a small appointment as a senior researcher. In this capacity, she continues to contribute to ongoing research and innovation projects within the Inclusive Education research group. 

Her continued involvement includes the Horizon project YOUROPE and the Comenius project Relational Peer Mediation. 

We warmly thank Naomi for her dedication, inspiration and the meaningful partnerships she has helped to build over the past five years. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with her in this new form.

In 2026, Wâtte Zijlstra will coordinate the Inclusive Education research group until a new lector is appointed.