I hold a MSc in the Psychology of Social Relations (Goldsmiths, University of London, UK) and a BA in Media and Culture (Design Academy Eindhoven, NL). I completed the Foundation Year in the Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich (CH).

I have been a researcher, designer, educator and consultant. In addition to my self-employment since 2016, I have worked for Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW (ICDP), School of Applied Psychology FHNW (IFK), FOND Design, Henkel & Cie. AG, Waag (Futurelab for technology and society), Creative Industries Scientific Programme (CRISP) and Institute for Sociocultural Community Development (HSLU).

I have supported processes and outcommes for research collaborations (e.g. Dr. N. Goldman for the WHO), industry partners (e.g. Brandenberger Kloter Architekten), cultural groups (e.g. female creatives), public sector entities (e.g. Kanton Basel-Stadt), and academic institutions (e.g. University of Basel).

I have co-lead modules (MSc, BSc, BA) and supported students in their bachelor thesis (School of Applied Psychology FHNW, Academy of Art and Design FHNW). I supervised students in research labs and internships (University of Basel, Gerrit Rietveld Academy). Also, I was a guest lecturer (Fontys University of Applied Sciences) and guest reviewer (Institute Contemporary Design Practices).

At the FHNW, I was a member of the Ethics Review Board APS and Assistant to Chair of Standing Committee on Research HGK. Previously, I support two associations COMPASS on mental health in acdemia and science and fiction on science communication.

I have organised an interdisciplinary symposium (Cultureel Centrum ‚t Fijnhout) and have moderated round tables (e.g., Stadtkino Basel) and hybrid events (e.g., metaLAB Basel).

I have developed and moderated workshops for scientific conferences (e.g., Art of Management and Organizations), organisations (e.g., Filmhuis Den Haag) and educational institutions (e.g., Delft University of Technology).

Recently, I have been a contributor to Chapter 6, project lead DGoldman, N.: From loneliness to social connection: charting a path to healthier societies. Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection. Other publications are in prepeparation and in review.

I have been interviewed about my work and my projects have been published in books, magazines, broadcasts, and newspapers (e.g., Het Parool, Swiss Center For Social Research, Galileo, Elle Singapore, Dezeen).

My work has been internationally exhibited (e.g., Dutch Design Week, Filmtheater Kriterion, Fashionclash, TranScreen, Salone del Mobile Milano, Galerie Durchgang, Jerusalem Design Week).

I was invited as a speaker to conferences (e.g., Internationale Tagung Soziale Arbeit und Stadtentwicklung, Art of Management and Organisations), round tables (Amsterdam Museum, Wildwuchs Festival), and academic and public presentations (Theater Basel, University of Basel, Mediamatics, Fuckup Nights)

I have received more than 17 grants, nominations and fellowship for my work (over CHF 100’000) to explore changes of comfort level with psychology and design. These include:

2006 Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, Award for design (3rd place)

2025 Funding of academic and non-academic projects by avuba (University of Basel), Grant for project

2023 FameLab largest science communication, Nomination for presentation

2022 Fachausschuss Film und Medienkunst BS/BL, Grant for project

2022 Team 93 – Die Optikergenossenschaft, Grant for project

2020 Abteilung Kultur Basel-Stadt, Grant for project

2020 Anonymous sponsor in health care, Grant for project

2020 Lehmhuus AG, Grant for project

2017 Bob Angelo Fonds (COC Nederland), Grant for project

2017 Amsterdam Fund for the Arts (AFK), Grant for project

2016 The Next Economy (The Hague University of Applied Sciences), Grant for project

2015 Dezeen (architecture and design magazine), Nomination for project

2015 Rijnja Repro, Grant for project

2015 Gemeente Amsterdam Stadsdeel West, Grant for project

2015 Die Schweizerische Post, Award for project (2nd place)

2014 WOW Amsterdam, Fellowship 2014-2015

2008 Pane Amore e Fantasia, Award for article (2nd place)

© 2014 – 2024: Debora Dax

Webdesign and development: Luca Claessens and Paul Evers

Portrait photography: Carl Emerson