Join the university-wide dialogue

In Conversation

At VU Amsterdam, we want to create more space for real conversations about themes such as war and peace, academic freedom, and our wellbeing as a community. Join the VU-wide dialogue sessions ‘In Conversation’.

In Conversation is a year-long dialogue series designed to create space for open and respectful conversations within our VU community. Together, we explore how we at VU deal with societal tensions, differences of opinion, and the ongoing search for connection.

This series is part of a broader national initiative in which Dutch universities strengthen dialogue on academic freedom. At VU, we shape this our own way through this programme.

What to expect

An open and safe gathering for everyone at VU: students, lecturers, researchers, and support staff. As a participant, you help determine the themes we will explore. No preparation is needed. Together, we discover what is on our minds and where the conversation leads.

You can expect:

Space to talk about what matters to you.
Conversation groups supported by trained dialogue facilitators.
Encounters between students and staff from different faculties, services and backgrounds.
A collective reflection on insights gained, without names or judgement.

Themes that emerged during earlier sessions:

Courage in Education
Academic Freedom and the myth of political neutrality
Diversity & Inclusion in Education and Research + Safety & Accessibility
Safety on Campus, police presence
Dialogue Mistrust in Science
Connection, Alienation & Isolation

Join us

Your perspective matters. Whether you are a student, researcher, lecturer, or staff member, together we ensure that every story can be heard.

Do I need to attend all sessions?
No. You can decide for each session whether to join. There is a flow throughout the year, so joining more often helps you follow the conversation. If you miss the first one, you are welcome to join later.
The session lasts three hours. Do I have to stay the whole time?
We understand three hours sounds long, but it allows us to slow down and have meaningful conversations. If you need to leave early, that is fine. We do ask everyone to be present for at least the first two hours.
Can I register on the day itself?
Registration closes one day before the event, but you can still come to the registration desk on the day itself from half an hour before the session (up until ten minutes before). If there is space available, you can join.
Can I participate without registering?
No. We ask everyone to register so we know who was present and can create balanced groups. Your information will only be used for organisation and will not be shared.
What happens if a conversation becomes tense or disrupted?
Each session has trained dialogue facilitators who maintain a safe and respectful environment. They can pause the discussion or de-escalate when needed, following clear guidelines on respectful interaction.
Will the Executive Board be present?
No, the dialogues are first and foremost for the VU community. Outcomes will be shared with the Executive Board, which will join later in the process.
Will there be minutes or recordings?
No recordings will be made. After each session we publish a short anonymised summary highlighting key themes and next steps.
Can I bring friends, classmates or colleagues?
Yes, but please register individually so we can keep the groups balanced across different backgrounds and roles.
What happens with the outcomes of the dialogues?
The themes that emerge will be collected and shared with the community. Where relevant, we will continue working on them in follow-up sessions or small working groups.
Will there be snacks or drinks?
Yes. There will be coffee, tea, fruit and a variety of cookies.
When are the next sessions?
· Session 1 - 11 September 2025
· Session 2 - 10 February 2026
· Session 3 - 24 March 2026
· Session 4 - 14 April 2026
· Session 5 - 2 June 2026

In Conversation

What to expect

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