Research Scientist
Rens van Dam is a Research Scientist at HCSS. In this role he applies his broad analytical background to research defence and security issues – focusing on climate security and defence economics in particular.
He holds a BSc in Mathematics as well as Physics from Utrecht University, a MSc in Applied Physics at the Delft University of Technology and a MSc in Economic Policy from Utrecht University. Further, Rens minored in Energy Economics at the University of Wyoming in the U.S. and Econometrics at the University of Amsterdam. For his master thesis in Economic Policy he researched theoretical economic models describing NATO burden sharing. He aims to work on quantitative analysis, policy and strategy to support resilient security solutions.
Rens previously contributed to the HCSS Datalab as an Assistant Analyst and Data Science Officer, where he co-developed the GINA dashboards, the CRM early navigation dashboard and general research, such as for the Strategic Monitor 2025.
