Faces of Clingendael: Floor Stoelinga
Who are the hard-working people at the Clingendael Institute? We offer you a look behind the scenes in our series Faces of Clingendael. Today with researcher Floor Stoelinga.
There’s a lot of nuance in issues surrounding policy questions, I try to translate this nuance into clear, accessible insights
What is your role?
I’m a researcher in the Critical Resources programme at Clingendael’s EU & Global Affairs Unit. I focus on what I call ‘new security files’, such as economic, energy, and climate security. These files are increasingly shaping Europe’s role and standing in the world.
What motivates you to do this job?
I think that in this day and age, many policy questions are presented as either black or white, and we see that reflected in a lot of polarization. But in reality, these issues are much more nuanced. What I try to do with my research is to translate that nuance into clear, accessible insights to support policymakers and improve public understanding of difficult choices.
What are your interests outside of work?
I have played field hockey since I was a little girl. This year we’re going for the championship, so fingers crossed! I also have a thing for languages and I’m currently learning French. It’s my partner’s native language and I think it’s important to be able to understand each other’s world of thinking and expression. And besides that, I enjoy taking a stroll on the beach or through the market, and spending weekends looking for the best cafés in the city.
What advice would you give people that aspire working in your field?
I would say try to find a balance between general skills and specific knowledge, and don’t be afraid to specialize early on. In terms of general skills, critical thinking, analytical thinking, and communication are really important. At the same time, diving into a topic and becoming a subject matter expert will help you stand out compared to others.
How do you notice that your work makes a difference?
Every now and then, I see that specific elements of our advice get picked up. But more importantly, we sometimes help shape the debate by bringing attention to questions that might not have been in the spotlight at that moment, both in politics and in the broader public debate.
Have a look at interviews with other Clingendael colleagues here.
