Independent journalism about VU Amsterdam | Since 1953
10 December 2025
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HOP

8 July 2025

The Young Academy sounds alarm over power of tech companies in education

Higher education institutions are leaning too much on commercial tech companies, warns The Young Academy. This puts the core values of science at risk. In a manifesto, the society calls for a radical change of direction.
8 June 2025

Rectors want broad debate on academic freedom

University rectors are concerned about academic freedom in the Netherlands and want to start a broad dialogue about it. “The freedom to think and speak is under threat, from outside and from within.”
5 June 2025

Government fallen: what are the consequences for higher education?

This morning, Geert Wilders (PVV) pulled the plug on the government. It now has an outgoing status and new elections will be held. Is this good news for higher education and scientific research?
2 June 2025

More students feel safe enough to be themselves

According to the National Student Survey, more and more students are positive about the atmosphere within their programme. They are also more likely to feel safe enough to be themselves at their educational institution.
8 May 2025

25 million to bring threatened top researchers here

In the years ahead, 25 million euros will be available to bring scientists from the United States (and other countries) to the Netherlands. This is revealed in the ‘supplementary budget’ that was recently published by the government.
8 May 2025

Harvard changes name of diversity department

Harvard’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) department is getting a different name. This seems to be a concession to Trump, who is forcing American universities to abandon their ‘left-wing’ diversity programmes.
1 May 2025

Who will protect students whose study programme was scrapped?

If a programme is axed due to budget cuts, existing students still have the right to complete it, even if it takes them years. But who ensures that they are getting a good education? Inspector General Alida Oppers of the…
24 April 2025

Government puts an end to low-cost sports and culture at universities

Higher education institutions should no longer provide reduced-rate sports facilities, as the government believes this distorts the market. Cultural activities and canteen prices are also set to rise, among other things.
24 April 2025

Spring Memorandum: new cutbacks in higher education

Over time, funding of higher education institutions will be reduced by 59 million euros, reads the Spring Memorandum. It’s one of the new cutbacks in education and research.
15 April 2025

Government wants more temporary leases for students

Landlords should always be able to offer students a temporary lease, according to housing minister Mona Keijzer. This would make it more attractive for them to manage student houses again.
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