Peer Smets works in the Department of Sociology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. As an engaged urban sociologist his focus is on societal problems with the aim of finding solutions for better policies and its implementation. In addition, Smets is involved in the Community Service Learning program, in which students are using their academic skills to help solve societal problems, to the mutual benefit of both the societal partners and the students/university. His research deals with neighborhoods and focuses on livability, use of public space, housing, housing finance, everyday encounters, belonging, home-making practices, community development, participation, self-help practices, cooperation between stakeholders, and urban commons. Concerning refugee issues he looks into issues such as reception areas, housing of status holders, and social media.