I am a PhD Candidate in International Economics at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Tinbergen Institute. My supervisors are prof. dr. Steven Poelhekke and prof. dr. Maarten Bosker.  

In Fall 2025, I am visiting prof.dr. Stelios Michalopoulos at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

My research focuses on trade and development. In my current work, I examine the interplay of mineral trade, conflict and armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Moreover, I study the persistent effects of colonisation in Java. My research also explores the Indonesian export restrictions imposed on raw materials and its effect on local firms. 

I hold a MPhil in Economics from Tinbergen Institute, as well as a Master of Science in Economics (summa cum laude) and a Master of Law (cum laude) from Erasmus University Rotterdam.

You can contact me at j.m.e.vanden.herik [at] vu.nl.