Merel Schuring

Merel Schuring is dedicated to reducing socioeconomic health inequalities by promoting sustainable employment participation. Her research explores the interplay between health, employment, and socioeconomic inequalities, focusing on how chronic diseases, mental health problems, and working conditions influence employment participation and health over the life course.

As an expert in quantitative research methods, she applies advanced analytical techniques, such as difference-in differences analyses, multilevel models, and propensity score matching. These methods are used to evaluate health promotion programs for social benefit recipients (e.g., Bewegen Werkt) and interdisciplinary employment programmes for unemployed individuals with mental health challenges (e.g., Werk als Beste Zorg).

Merel strongly believes in the importance of qualitative research methods to better understand the lived experiences of various social groups. Therefore, her research group conducts mixed-methods studies that combine quantitative approaches with qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups. Recent projects include i) exploring the experiences of young adults facing school dropout and ii) examining the barriers and facilitators perceived by employers in hiring individuals with disabilities.

Research themes

• Enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through inclusive hiring practices by employers.
• Supporting employees with health challenges in maintaining employment.
• Preventing unemployment among young adults by facilitating their transition from education to employment.

Research methods

• Advanced statistical techniques for causal inference.
• Mixed-methods approaches that combine quantitative data with qualitative insights.
• Realist evaluation methodologies to understand how interventions operate in real-world settings.

Merel’s work is highly collaborative, involving multidisciplinary teams across public health, psychology, and economics. By co-producing knowledge with stakeholders, including policymakers and employers, she ensures her findings contribute to the development of actionable strategies and evidence-based policies.