Today, the joint Opening of the Academic Year of the University of Twente and Saxion took place, with Prime Minister Dick Schoof as keynote speaker. The event was presented under the motto “Stronger Together”, celebrating 700 years of the city of Enschede and highlighting the importance of progress, courage, and collaboration for the region.
Precisely because of that theme, the choice for this keynote speaker is sensitive in our view. The current government’s policies, for which Prime Minister Schoof bears responsibility, have had a deeply negative impact on the community of early-career academics. Rather than strengthening universities and their role in society, these policies create uncertainty and undermine the very foundation of collaboration, openness, and inclusivity that are essential for both science and society.
For that reason, we found it incongruous to welcome the Prime Minister only as a speaker without space for dialogue. We are, however, grateful that prior to the Opening of the Academic Year, we had the opportunity to meet with him and share our concerns directly.
During this conversation, we expressed our concerns along the following key points:
1. The Netherlands is becoming less attractive and inclusive for early-career academics
Growing concerns about threats to an open, inclusive, and non-discriminating society under this cabinet add to the uncertainty over whether the Netherlands remains an attractive place for scientists to establish themselves. While other European countries are encouraging research and innovation, and are investing heavily, uncertainty prevails in the Netherlands. This undermines the ability to attract young talent and jeopardizes the ambition of making Europe less dependent on the US and China. Whether it concerns key technologies such as AI and ChipTech or societal innovations, Europe cannot afford to fall behind. Yet, the government chose a line which is detrimental for the Netherlands, as UNL president recently noted in Het Financieele Dagblad: we are “the worst pupil in the class” when it comes to research and innovation spending.
2. Growing uncertainty through budget cuts
Previously introduced initiatives benefitting early career academics (such as sector plans and starter and incentive grants) have been partially stopped or impacted in a negative way by the current government. Early-career academics in particular need perspective and security to continue their careers in the Netherlands (just as companies need policy stability for them to settle here). The cuts, therefore, risk driving a new generation of researchers abroad.
3. A threat to the regional role of universities
As the representatives of early career academics of the Netherlands’ leading entrepreneurial university, we see every day the important role universities play in their region. Universities deliver innovation, knowledge, and professionals that directly benefit society. This was recently reaffirmed in an article in Tubantia. In this article, it was highlighted that the UT is one of the largest employers and a crucial pull factor in the region. To maintain and strengthen this role, attracting and retaining young academic talent is essential.
YAT and PE-NUT remain committed to open and constructive dialogue. For us, strengthening science also means strengthening an open and inclusive society. One where early-career academics can contribute to knowledge, innovation, and equal opportunities. We truly hope that this (now demissionary) government is prepared to take the perspective of the new generation of academics seriously.
As Vinod Subramaniam underlined in his speech today: knowledge is one of the most important natural resources in the Netherlands. We, as YAT and PE-NUT, wholeheartedly endorse this view.
