René Veenstra is a Full Professor of Sociology at the University of Groningen and a board member of the Interuniversity Center for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS). A leading expert in peer dynamics, his research examines how social networks shape adolescent behavior—especially in relation to bullying, victimization, mental health, and peer-led interventions.
His work bridges theoretical rigor with applied relevance, guiding practitioners and policymakers through complex dynamics of social relationships in school and youth settings. He is a key figure in the long-running TRAILS study, which follows youth from early adolescence into adulthood, and was instrumental in the implementation and evaluation of the KiVa Anti-Bullying Program in the Netherlands.
René is also an influential mentor, having supervised 27 completed Ph.D. projects with several former mentees now leading in their fields. His work contributes to international understanding of how prosocial and antisocial behaviors spread through networks—and how educators can intervene.