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. Examples include exchange contracts, joint research projects with contractual arrangements, or financial contributions from or to partner institutions. The framework does not apply to publications involving one or more researchers from foreign institutions where there is no financial component, to visiting appointments of researchers at foreign institutions, or to incidental or informal contact between individual researchers—provided there is no institutional involvement from VU Amsterdam. 

• Why is this a ‘new version’ of the assessment framework, and why is the final framework not yet in place?

  The draft assessment framework 2.0 is a revised version, based on insights gained during a pilot phase and input from various bodies within the university and on exchange with other  universities. This month, a consultation round is being held for VU staff and students. Following this, the Executive Board will adopt the framework. During the application the framework will be evaluated periodically and adjusted when necessary. 

• Will collaborations with certain countries be stopped?

  No, the assessment framework evaluates collaborations on a case-by-case basis, not based on the basis of the country of institutions. However, it may be that a particular collaboration—regardless of location—does not align with the principles of the framework, for instance due to risks of severe human rights violations or contributions to armed conflict. In such cases, a decision may be made not to enter into or to discontinue a collaboration. An overview of EU-funded collaborations is available via CORDIS. Information about individual collaborations is not publicly shared, in order to protect the privacy of our researchers. 

• What does this assessment framework mean for me as a researcher?

  VU employees are expected, before entering into a collaboration, to take moral responsibility and think about values of VU. And use these considerations, with this framework as a guideline, in addition to existing frameworks on other facets such as Fossil Free Research and Knowledge Security.  

  This framework focused on human rights and armed conflict complements these and provides guidance to assess whether entering into a collaboration fits VU's values and whether there are risks in the areas of human rights and armed conflict. In case of doubt or questions, a collaboration can be submitted to a central advisory committee for advice. The framework will become mandatory from 1 September 2025 for all new or to renew collaborations. 

• What if the decision is to stop a collaboration?

  If the initiator, in consultation with the faculty, concludes that a collaboration has many risks, or if the advisory committee gives a negative advice, the collaboration partner is contacted to discuss the concerns. If additional information becomes available from this conversation, it is considered whether this changes the situation. If not, the consequences will be discussed with those directly involved: not starting a cooperation, or ending an ongoing cooperation. In the second case, appropriate support will be given to the VU stakeholder(s) to deal with the consequences. 

• Are the committee’s advices publicly available?

  Yes. The committee’s evaluation report, including anonymised recommendations on the four pilot cases, is publicly available via [insert link]. The content has been anonymised to protect the privacy of the researchers and other parties involved. 

• Why are the pilot cases treated anonymous?

  The pilot cases have been treated anonymously in order to safeguard the privacy of the researchers involved. The committee’s recommendations are anonymised and publicly available, so that it is clear  how the application of the framework is in practice. Individual researchers and faculties involved in a case have been informed directly of the outcomes. 

• How can I give feedback on the current version of the framework?

  From Monday 14 April until 30 April, students and staff can submit their suggestions via the feedback document. All input will be carefully considered before the framework is finalised.