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Science & Education 7 December 2020

Scientists attack politicians in KNAW debate

“What do our universities need?” asked activists and managers during an online debate organised by the KNAW science association. The ideas discussed ranged from calls for a strike to criticism of turning a blind eye to inappropriate behaviour.
Science & Education 23 November 2020

Abuse of power in a small world

Our standards are changing when it comes to transgressive behaviour in the workplace. But not fast enough, says university professor Naomi Ellemers, chair of the KNAW committee that will advise on undesirable behaviour in science.
Science & Education 19 November 2020

Rise of female professors stops

It may take until the year 2043 until there are as many female as male professors. The rapid increase in the number of female professors hired appears to have slowed down again. The growth of women in science recently appeared…
Science & Education 12 November 2020

‘The coronavirus crisis will widen the gap between men and women’

If female scientists become less productive in areas where schools are in lockdown, it’s because care responsibilities at home are not distributed equally, says researcher Bahar Mehmani.
Science & Education 10 November 2020

Female scientists slipping behind during the coronavirus pandemic

Scientists have been strikingly productive since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, but a clear difference can be seen between men and women. This could be the result of the fact that care duties are imbalanced and more often than…
Science & Education 20 October 2020

KNAW: give every researcher a rolling grant

The battle for research funding is out of control, states a committee at the KNAW science association. They believe the solution to relieving some of the pressure is a rolling grants fund, which researchers can access without having to compete…
Science & Education 12 October 2020

‘1 in 5 PhD students experience undesirable conduct’

From screaming supervisors to professors wanting hugs, many PhD students experience undesirable conduct, warns interest group PNN. Whistle-blowing often yields no results. “It was made clear to me that I would not win anyway.”
Science & Education 24 September 2020

How should we recognise and reward scientists?

LONGREAD – Scientists teach, lead their department and share their insights with the general public. They are going to receive more recognition for this kind of work. But is it at the expense of their research?
Science & Education 14 September 2020

PhD students afraid to look for another supervisor

Many PhD students who feel trapped in an unpleasant working relationship with their supervisor are hesitant to switch supervisors. They are afraid that it could harm their career, according to a survey by the PhD Network Netherlands (PNN). “It would…
Science & Education 11 September 2020

Growth Fund: is science about to get the money it’s been asking for?

Over the next few years, the government will spend €20 billion on education & research, innovation and infrastructure. Is this the major investment that teaching staff and academics have been crying out for?