Math Noortmann boosts cross-border security research within ITEM

On 1 April, Math Noortmann started as senior researcher at expertise centre ITEM. With his expertise in the field of transnational law and security, Math Noortmann was until recently affiliated with the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University (UK) as professor of transnational law and non-state actors. In addition to his research task at ITEM, he will also lead the scientific quadrant within ITEM.

Math Noortmann studied international law at Utrecht University and political science at VU University Amsterdam. During his law studies, it soon became clear that, as he himself puts it, "I have a much more academic heart. I want to ask the questions". As a PhD student at Utrecht University, he got the chance to do scientific research in the field of state liability and sanctions. Since then, he has developed into a transdisciplinary academic with an extensive series of publications and research to his name. Math Noortmann's scientific expertise lies at the interface of international law and international governance. Within this field, he has studied non-state actors, international security, organised crime and UN mechanisms for peace and security, among other things.

His research projects are characterised by the active participation of research participants and creative research methods. In the recent past, he has conducted research in the areas of illegal fishery, private security and the future of policing.  He believes that "every stakeholder should be involved in the research. Sometimes you even have to sit down with (former) criminals".

Math Noortmann's affinity with cross-border investigations does not come about by chance. As a former frontier worker from Limburg with German nationality, he knows the practical obstacles of the border at first hand: "... you had to show your passport or residence permit every day ... you had to report to the police at least once a year... and the question as to why you were not staying in your own country was not uncommon." Labour migration is (according to Math Noortmann) just one of many cross-border problems.

Unfortunately, many border regions are still more a model of conflict than cooperation. The fact that our neighbouring countries live in harmony with each other is unfortunately not a matter of course, as the violent conflict in Ukraine with neighbouring Russia again painfully shows.

As a senior researcher at ITEM, Math wants to focus on cross-border security in the border region. How and why does crime cross borders and what are the ways in which its consequences can be reduced or prevented? With his experience in the field of 'impactful research', he not only hopes to contribute to the deepening and broadening of scientific research within ITEM, but also to make the necessary translation to social stakeholders in the region and beyond.