Assessment Framework International Collaborations - Q&A

Frequently asked questions and corresponding answers

• Which collaborations will fall under the scope of the assessment framework?

  The assessment framework applies to international collaborations that involve an institutional agreement or a financial component. This includes, for example, joint research projects with contractual arrangements, financial contributions to or from partner organisations, or exchange agreements.

  The framework does not apply to collaborations with foreign researchers that do not involve institutional or financial involvement from VU, co-authored publications without funding, incidental or informal contact between individual researchers, or guest appointments of VU researchers abroad. In such cases, academic freedom remains the guiding principle. Researchers are individually responsible for conducting their work with care and integrity, in line with the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. This code outlines the standards for honesty, diligence, transparency, independence and accountability in research, and states that research must be assessed by experts who critically evaluate its quality, validity and reliability. If there is any doubt, researchers are encouraged to seek advice from their faculty’s designated contact person for the assessment framework.
  
  From 1 September 2025, the assessment framework will be mandatory for all new or renewed collaborations that may involve risks related to human rights violations or involvement in armed conflict. Existing collaborations where such risks are present will also be re-assessed using the updated framework.

• Why has a ‘new version’ of the assessment framework been adopted?

  This version is the result of a year-long process in which the earlier version was applied in practice, discussed within internal bodies, and enriched with valuable input from the VU community. A total of twelve responses were received during a consultation round among students and staff. Based on this input, the framework was substantively refined.

  The updated framework will formally come into effect on 1 September 2025 and will be applied broadly across VU Amsterdam. It is a living document, which means it may be revised in the future based on new insights and experiences. You can find the updated assessment framework here (in Dutch).

• What happened to the feedback on the earlier version of the framework?

  After the pilot phase, the draft version 2.0 of the assessment framework was made publicly available. Staff and students were invited to provide feedback. A total of twelve responses were received, including three submitted on behalf of groups.

  This input was carefully considered in the development of the current version. As a result, the distinction between government bodies and other organisations has been made more explicit, the order of the assessment questions has been adjusted, and the starting point of the evaluation has shifted: the focus is now on the partner organisation rather than the country. In addition, the range of consulted sources has been expanded, and the guiding principles have been further clarified.

• How does this framework help me as a researcher in making informed decisions?

  When considering an international collaboration, this framework serves as a practical tool, alongside existing guidelines such as those for Fossil-Free Research and Knowledge Security. It helps you reflect on whether a collaboration aligns with the values of VU Amsterdam and your academic responsibility.

  As a researcher, you are in the lead when assessing whether a collaboration is appropriate and responsible. The framework supports you with guiding principles, assessment questions and practical tools. If you are unsure or if there are signs of increased risk, you can contact the designated contact person within your faculty. If needed, the faculty board can submit the case to the central advisory committee.

• Will collaborations with certain countries be stopped?

  The assessment framework does not operate on the basis of country lists. Instead, collaborations are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account potential risks and the reasons for entering into the collaboration. The assessment begins with the partner organisation, not the country in which it is based.

  A key principle of the framework is that VU Amsterdam does not enter into collaborations with central or local governments of countries for which there is credible evidence of serious human rights violations. Other collaborations are assessed based on factors such as the partner’s independence, the risk of involvement in violations, and the potential impact of the project. Information about projects funded through programmes such as Erasmus+ or Horizon Europe can be found on public platforms like cordis.europa.eu and erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu. Information about individual VU-wide collaborations is not shared, in order to protect the privacy and safety of those involved.

• What does the advisory committee look like, and how does it work?

  The advisory committee consists of VU staff members with both academic and non-academic backgrounds. Its members bring expertise in areas such as international law and human rights, ethics, international collaboration and legal affairs. In the case of education-related matters, a student will be consulted to ensure the student perspective is included in the assessment.

  The committee provides advice on collaborations where heightened risks have been identified, or where there are questions about how the framework should be applied. The assessment is carried out according to the four-eyes principle and involves close collaboration between academic and policy expertise.

  The committee will become active in September 2025. In the meantime, its members will be appointed and contact persons within the faculties will be trained to support colleagues in applying the framework. View the flowchart here (Dutch) for an overview of how the process works.

• What happens if the decision is made to end a collaboration?

  If the initiator, in consultation with the faculty, concludes that a collaboration carries significant risks, or if the advisory committee gives a negative recommendation, the partner organisation will first be contacted to discuss the concerns. If this leads to new information, the situation will be reassessed. If not, the consequences will be discussed with those directly involved – either not proceeding with the collaboration, or ending an existing one. In the latter case, appropriate support will be offered to VU staff involved to help manage the consequences.

• Will the assessed collaborations be made public?

  The advisory committee’s recommendations will not be made public. This is a deliberate choice to protect our researchers and staff from personal attacks or pressure, such as the online sharing of their personal information. Within the university, there is space to discuss assessments and decisions through the appropriate channels, such as participatory governance and faculty meetings. In this way, we aim to ensure both transparency and safety.

• Can I give feedback on the framework?

  Yes, you can. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please email FrameworkIC@vu.nl. All feedback is reviewed, and useful input may be taken into account in future updates to the framework.