The HDSC is an international research project building an open digital infrastructure for historical, demographic and sociological research into the colonial societies of Suriname and the former Netherlands Antilles. Under Van Galen historians, archivists, data specialists and volunteers from the Netherlands, Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean are working together to build this infrastructure.
The jury report describes the HDSC as a “socially highly relevant project, which underlines that history is more multifaceted and polyphonic than existing narratives suggest.”
People’s behaviour rather than colonial opinions
From the jury report: “With this database, historical scholarship broadens its view of the past, which until now has been coloured by a top-down colonial perspective. Van Galen’s open-science approach also stands out, adding significant value. The HDSC enjoys national and international recognition for the methodological innovation and pioneering role of the programme, which makes it possible to study people’s behaviour rather than colonial opinions about people. Providing teaching resources, educational programmes and grants for schools, researchers and PhD students from Suriname and the Caribbean is also a plus.”
“Thanks to the initiative and dedication of Coen van Galen, a research infrastructure has been established that facilitates new scientific insights, directly involves many thousands of people in exploring their shared history, and also contributes to a better-informed public debate on slavery and colonialism.”
About the Huibregtsen Prize
The Huibregtsen Prize is awarded annually to a recent research project that combines academic rigour and innovation with exceptional social value or outreach. The prize, established by the ‘Evening of Science and Society’ Foundation, consists of a cash prize of 25,000 euros earmarked for research activities and a sculpture. Each year, six projects are nominated, one of which is awarded the prize on 8 October.