Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
1 March 2025
Magazine
Nederlands

Emma Sprangers

12 February 2025

‘Peace is more likely with women at the negotiating table’

What the world needs now is a stronger focus on peace missions. This was the message voiced on 28 January by the three women leading NGOs nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by students at VU Amsterdam. ‘Unfortunately, people often…
29 January 2025

DUO misinforms thousands of international students about loan compensation

DUO, the agency in charge of administering student financing, incorrectly told 8,590 international students that they would receive compensation in connection with the student loan system. The error represents a total of 6.6 million euros.
29 January 2025

Dutch government plans to invest in researchers with novel innovations

Silent vacuum cleaners, lithium-free batteries, faster treatment for lung cancer patients… By investing 19 million euros over the next seven years, the Dutch government aims to help researchers bring their innovations to market.
22 January 2025

US universities brace for Trump’s plans

Universities across the United States are bracing themselves as Donald Trump begins his second term as president. Some universities are already saying they have no intention of cooperating with the mass deportations he has announced.
16 January 2025

Higher education gatekeeper: ‘It kept me up at night’

Does degree programme X really need to be offered in English? Paul Rullmann, outgoing chair of the committee in charge of deciding this question, understands the rationale for introducing a language assessment. “But not”, he says, “in the context of…
8 January 2025

Microsoft 365’s AI assistant compromises user privacy

IT organisation SURF has issued a warning against the use of Microsoft Copilot in higher education, claiming that the AI assistant compromises the privacy of students, teachers and researchers.
28 November 2024

Millions for training extra technical workers

Vocational schools and higher education institutions are set to receive a total of 81 million euros in government funding over the next two years. The money, which will go to the Eindhoven, Twente, Delft and Northern Netherlands regions, is being…
21 November 2024

From powerpoints to playful education

Educational trainer Ermelinda Jaku believes creating good education is a joint effort. ‘We need to co-create a space for everyone to challenge their own assumptions.’
14 November 2024

‘If they don’t want me here, I’ll just leave’

The new Dutch cabinet doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to their intent on limiting internationalisation. How do international students experience these plans?
19 September 2024

‘Decolonisation can be unsettling’

For some researchers, their role in society is almost as important as their work. Meet three of VU’s activist academics. Tamara Soukotta taught courses on decolonisation at VU, until she was ‘relieved of her duties’.
Emma Sprangers
Emma Sprangers editor
Get in contact with Emma Sprangers