Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
11 November 2026
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4 November 2026

Knowledge security plans: no screening for students, fewer subject areas declared ‘sensitive’

The government must be more precise in protecting sensitive knowledge, according to Education Minister Rianne Letschert. Students may be exempted from screening requirements, and she is also considering narrowing the range of subjects designated as sensitive.
29 October 2026

Robbert Dijkgraaf is the new face of international science: ‘Sometimes we can help bring peace’

Former education minister Dijkgraaf is the new president of the International Science Council. He is making the case for international cooperation, even in times of war. “Scientists from every country must be able to keep talking to each other.”
16 October 2026

Hate campaigns, political pressure and less room for independent research: KNAW calls for legal protection for academic freedom

Academic freedom deserves better protection in law, according to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). “The political landscape in Europe and the United States is a warning sign.”
16 September 2026

Throne Speech: ‘There must be room for international students and knowledge workers’

The labour market needs talent in sectors such as AI, digitalization, energy and biotechnology, King Willem-Alexander said in the Throne Speech today. “That talent is present at every level of higher education, from secondary vocational institutions and universities of applied…
18 June 2026

Watch out, says Rathenau: ‘Warning people about misinformation can make it reach more people’

Sunscreen doesn’t cause cancer, and vaccines don’t cause autism. You can keep repeating those facts, but if you want to debunk misinformation effectively, it’s better to take people’s underlying concerns seriously, according to the Rathenau Instituut.
18 June 2026

Amid pressure on US science sector, EU and Australia forge new alliance

First came a free trade agreement that included defence arrangements, and now a science deal has also been struck. Under pressure from geopolitical developments, the EU and Australia are strengthening ties.
28 May 2026

Students feel less study pressure

Fewer and fewer students feel that study pressure is too high, according to the National Student Survey. In addition, three quarters of them are generally satisfied with their study programme.
21 May 2026

Rathenau Institute warns against irresponsible use of AI in science

Urgent guidelines are needed for the use of AI in science, says the Rathenau Institute. Misuse ‘undermines the reliability of scientific knowledge and trust in science’.
13 May 2026

Universities rethink their digital autonomy

Dutch universities are in no doubt they need to become less reliant on the American software giants. They are setting up a joint committee to promote greater digital autonomy.
7 May 2026

Student and employee data stolen in global Canvas hack

A hack has resulted in the theft of data from Canvas users worldwide, including that of lecturers and students at VU Amsterdam. If the education software provider does not pay a ransom, the hackers are threatening to make some of…
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