David is a postdoctoral researcher in the NWO-funded research project The Invention of the Refugee in Early Modern Europe. In response to the ongoing asylum crisis, David has made a sustained effort to raise public awareness that immigration is not a “new problem”, but an integral part of Dutch history. To reach different audiences, he has reflected on the history of refugees in various media. Together with Mathijs Deen, he created a radio documentary for VPRO – OVT Het spoor terug about refugees during the Dutch Revolt. With Geert Janssen he edited De vluchtelingenrepubliek, bringing together the expertise of fourteen historians of migration (including ASH-members Lotte van Hasselt, Hans Wallage, and Rosa de Jong). The book was well received in Dutch media. It resulted in i.a. an essay in Trouw Tijdgeest, an interview in talkshow Op1, a thematic tour in the Rijksmuseum, and invited lectures at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Security.

About the award

The ASH Valorisation Award is presented every other year to (a) member(s) of the Amsterdam School for Historical Studies. The award recognizes an individual or team’s ability to reach new audiences, demonstrating a lasting impact on the public. The award is accompanied by a prize of €250.