Ramón Spaaij

Professor Ramón Spaaij investigates complex social problems finding solutions that create and sustain thriving communities. As Professor of Sociology at Victoria University in Australia, he explores how conflicts and inequities that threaten social cohesion can be transformed toward more harmonious community relationships.

Ramón Spaaij’s research enhances opportunities for social change through sport creating a sense of belonging for people. He focuses on sport for development, investigating social issues toward diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports. Ramón Spaaij is an international expert on terrorism and lone actors. His research supports the prevention of violent extremism through sport and culture. His group is investigating disengagement from violent extremism to support clients to live fulfilling lives in nonviolent ways. Ramón partners with organisations global to local, building relationships to understand key problems practitioners and communities face to develop capacity-building resources changemakers can deliver with confidence. He values empathy and takes a participatory approach that creates linkages between academics, industry, and community. Explore Ramón’s research.

He holds secondary academic appointments at Utrecht University School of Governance in the Netherlands and at the Centre for Sport Leadership at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. He was the endowed Professorial Chair in Sociology of Sport at the University of Amsterdam. Ramón Spaaij has held visiting academic positions on 4 continents. View academic appointments.

Professor Spaaij values the synergy students experience when he poses real-world problems to spark their curiosity. He builds their sociological toolkit so students can better apply advanced qualitative and mixed methodologies, concepts, and theories to their future professions. We can ask better questions to think critically, improving our understanding of complex issues like inequality, discrimination and social change together. Ramón provides a safe space for students and mentees to think outside the box as he supports them toward success. View teaching.

Ramón shapes policy and practice at the international and multinational level. He has been commissioned for 50+ reports and briefings to national governments and organisations around the world such as the United Nations, the European Commission, and the United States Department of Justice. He’s also impacted policy at the local level down to the multicultural suburbs of Melbourne where he lives. Ramón Spaaij was selected as a 2023 Social Impact Fellow to amplify his research beyond academia. He was named a top 2% scientist worldwide.

Email me at Ramon.Spaaij@vu.edu.au

Global Appointments

in Australia, the Netherlands, and South Africa