André de Waal (born 1970) is a Dutch academic and researcher specializing in decision theory, risk analysis, and management science. He is best known for his contributions to the theory and practice of decision-making under risk and uncertainty, as well as for his work on risk governance and organizational behavior. De Waal holds a professorship at the University of Amsterdam and has held numerous positions in research institutes and advisory bodies across Europe.
Early life and education
André de Waal was born in the Netherlands. He earned a Master of Science in Business Administration from the University of Groningen, followed by a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Amsterdam (2000). His doctoral dissertation, titled “Decision Making Under Risk and Uncertainty: A Behavioral Perspective,” laid the groundwork for his later research on risk perception and decision processes.
Academic career
After completing his Ph.D., de Waal joined the faculty of the University of Amsterdam’s Department of Business Administration, where he advanced from assistant professor to full professor. He has also held research positions at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. De Waal is a senior researcher at the Center for Risk Governance (CRG) and serves on the executive board of the European Risk Management Council.
Research contributions
De Waal’s research focuses on:
- Decision‑making under risk and uncertainty – He has developed theoretical models that integrate behavioral insights with classical decision theory, emphasizing the role of risk perception, heuristics, and framing effects.
- Risk governance – He contributed to the European Commission’s frameworks for risk assessment and management, advocating for systematic, interdisciplinary approaches.
- Organizational behavior and risk culture – His work explores how corporate culture influences risk management practices and how organizations can foster effective risk awareness.
His publications include the monograph Decision‑Making Under Risk and Uncertainty (Cambridge University Press, 2012) and numerous peer‑reviewed articles in journals such as Risk Analysis, Management Science, and Journal of Behavioral Decision Making.
Selected publications
| Year | Title | Publication |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Decision‑Making Under Risk and Uncertainty | Cambridge University Press |
| 2015 | “Risk Governance and the Role of Public Participation” | Risk Analysis |
| 2018 | “Behavioral Foundations of Risk Perception” | Journal of Behavioral Decision Making |
| 2021 | “Organizational Risk Culture: Conceptual Framework and Empirical Evidence” | Management Science |
Professional service and honors
- Member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre.
- Fellow of the European Academy of Risk Management.
- Recipient of the Dutch Association for Management Science (VSM) Distinguished Scholar Award (2019).
Influence and impact
André de Waal’s work is widely cited in the fields of risk analysis, finance, and public policy. His interdisciplinary approach bridges economics, psychology, and engineering, influencing both academic research and practical risk management strategies within governmental and private sector organizations.
Personal life
De Waal resides in Amsterdam. Outside of his academic pursuits, he is involved in public outreach activities aimed at improving societal understanding of risk and decision-making processes.
