Research interests

Research Focus in General

Claudia’s current research focuses on IRI in STEM. IRI in STEM fits with her overall research interests on how responsible research and innovation (RRI) systems and innovative ecosystems evolve, particularly in how stakeholder involvement is feasible to drive research and innovation. Through her research, Claudia aims to understand how collaborations and innovation transform socio-technical systems.

Inclusive Research and Innovation (IRI) in STEM

While research and innovation provide us with many useful outcomes, not everyone profits equally from it. IRI in STEM is actively integrating the diversity of human beings (e.g., gender, age, ethnicity, social class, etc.) in STEM-related research, design, engineering, and/or innovation. By conducting IRI in STEM projects, researchers and innovators contribute to superior processes and results which benefit a broader range of diverse individuals when compared to conventional STEM research and innovation. IRI is a complex endeavour that requires changes in how we define research questions, methodologies, analysis, reporting practices, and technology transfer.

IRI in STEM is not limited to research alone, but also extends to valorisation and teaching of STEM disciplines. Incorporating inclusive principles into these areas can foster belonging for a more diverse employee and student population. Claudia highlights the importance of having IRI in STEM as a strategic priority at TU Delft:

• Gendered research: make women visible, TU Delta, May 2021
• Gendered Research and Innovation as Complement to Current TU Delft gender policy: DEWIS talks to Claudia Werker, December 2021

Podcast IRI in STEM

Since December 2023, Claudia has been hosting a podcast series exploring the work of scholars from a wide range of STEM disciplines. In each episode, she interviews STEM colleagues to show how they engage in IRI in STEM. The podcast series is available to listen for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite streaming platform.

Academic background

Professional Background

Claudia Werker received her PhD in Economics (Dr. rer. pol.) from Freiberg University of Technology, Germany (summa cum laude). She joined the Faculty TPM at TU Delft in 2007 and became a visiting professor at RWTH Aachen University, Germany in 2013. She has served as a referee for numerous scientific journals, for the Dutch Research Council (NWO), and was a member of TU Delft Vision Team Robotics that advised the rector and the general public on the impact of robots on our daily lives.

Scholarly Publications

Claudia has published numerous articles in and co-edited five special issues for high-ranking peer-reviewed journals such as Technovation, Journal of Business Economics, Industry, and Innovation, JASS, and Science and Engineering Ethics. A full list of her publications is available on Google Scholar.

Grants

Claudia has received various grants from the European Commission, the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Claudia received two times an EU Marie-Curie personal grant, the first time as a postdoc conducting research at the University of Manchester (United Kingdom), the second time as a senior research fellow conducting research at RWTH Aachen University (Germany).

Teaching and Education

Dr. Werker gives lectures at TU Delft to Bachelor, Master and PhD students on subjects related to the economics of innovation and technology, such as:

• Responsible innovation (systems)
• Knowledge networks and innovation systems
• Technology and industry dynamics
• Innovation management
• Innovation and technology policy
• University-industry linkages and collaboration

She also teaches a free, self-paced online course on Big Data Strategies to Transform Your Business. Session sign-ups are on a rolling basis.

Master Thesis Supervision

Claudia Werker chairs and co-supervises students writing their master thesis in a master theses’ circle. If you are interested in doing a master thesis project on IRI in STEM, you can send an email to Claudia with a description of your proposed topic. 

Tips on how to draft a paper or a master thesis:

Below are short instructional videos that highlight each step of writing a master thesis (or a proposal, scientific paper, book, etc.), starting from finding the right sources. 

• Sources and speedy reading (8:19)
• From topics to questions to problems (8:09)
• Arguments and claims, reasons, and evidence (5:03)
• Planning, drafting, and revising (5:11)

Video References:

Booth, W.C., Colomb J.M. and J.M. Williams (2016): The Craft of Research, Chicago University Press (Chicago and London), fourth edition.

University of Minnesota (2020): Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources., retrieved on 28.08.2020.

Werker, C., Ooms, W., & Caniëls, M. C. J. (2016). Personal and related kinds of proximity driving collaborations: a multi-case study of Dutch nanotechnology researchers. SpringerPlus, 5(1).