General questions
Why has a preliminary decision been made to reorganise the Department of Earth Sciences?
VU Amsterdam and the Faculty of Science are facing financial challenges due to budget cuts and declining student numbers. The Department of Earth Sciences has been dealing with structural deficits for several years, despite previous reorganisations and support from other departments. These structural deficits must now be addressed. Moreover, support from other departments at this level is no longer feasible given the overall savings target of the faculty.
How has the process leading to the preliminary decision to reorganise the Department of Earth Sciences unfolded over time?
The Department of Earth Sciences has been struggling with structural deficits for many years. Since 2022, discussions have been held with the department's management team, requesting them to develop plans. Due to rising costs and declining revenues – caused by increasing personnel expenses, inflation, accommodation costs, a drop in the number of (international) students, and government budget cuts – VU Amsterdam needs to restore financial stability by realising €60 million in savings. For the Faculty of Science, this means a savings target of €26.5 million. As a result, all departments within the faculty were assigned savings targets and instructed to develop measures to meet them. By late spring 2024, all departments—except for the Department of Earth Sciences, which had a savings target of €2.75 million – had incorporated these targets into measures covering the period 2025–2029. When it became clear that the Department of Earth Sciences could not translate its savings target into concrete measures, the faculty board decided to initiate a follow-up process in summer 2024. The goal of this process was to explore how strategic choices could ensure a future-proof Earth Sciences education and research programme at VU Amsterdam, within the existing financial constraints. To this end, an exploratory committee was formed, comprising subject-matter experts from both within and outside the department. The strategic scenarios presented in the committee’s report were extensively discussed with the department’s management team and the faculty board between October and December 2024. After a comprehensive assessment of all the scenarios, the faculty board selected one scenario and further developed it into a detailed plan between January and March 2025. This plan aims to safeguard a strategic and financially sustainable future for Earth Sciences research and education at VU Amsterdam.
What is the cause of the Department of Earth Sciences’ financial deficit?
The structural deficit in the Department of Earth Sciences has largely arisen because, compared to other departments, it generates relatively low income from teaching and research activities, while having relatively high personnel costs.
What does the strategic choice for ‘Climate and Earth’ involve?
The new scenario, titled ‘Climate and Earth’, focuses on sustainability and aligns with the VU’s overarching theme ‘Science for Sustainability’. This means an emphasis on Earth Sciences education and research related to contemporary climate change, and a focus on urgent issues such as natural disasters and climate systems. Research in the fields of geology and geochemistry will be discontinued.
Was serious consideration given to the alternative plan submitted by the Department of Earth Sciences?
In preparation for the intended decision, various scenarios were reviewed and assessed. The department's alternative plan was also evaluated, but it was concluded that the proposal did not align with several crucial principles that must be taken into account. Unfortunately, this made it an unrealistic option. This conclusion was shared and explained in writing to representatives of the staff (ODC). Ultimately, the scenario that offers a long-term, structural and sustainable solution was chosen.
Was the Department of Earth Sciences and the ODC involved in this plan?
Throughout the adjustment process within the faculty, both the management team of the Department of Earth Sciences and the Employee Representation Body (ODC) were involved. In the autumn of 2024, the faculty board and the department’s management team held nine meetings to thoroughly discuss a range of scenarios and conduct an integrated assessment. The ODC was given the opportunity to submit a written response to the reorganisation plan. Additionally, the ODC was kept informed throughout the entire process regarding the procedures behind the development of the reorganisation plan, held confidential content-related discussions, and took part in information exchanges.
The ODC received regular updates through the following channels:
- In the bi-monthly Faculty Joint Meeting (FGOV) with the ODC and the Faculty Student Council (FSR), the faculty’s savings task was a standard agenda item.
- Information relevant to the Department of Earth Sciences, such as Q&As, was also shared with the ODC, FSR, and (student) observers of the faculty board.
- The ODC’s finance committee received detailed briefings on the financial position of both the Faculty of Science and the Department of Earth Sciences during multiple meetings.
The agreements between VU Amsterdam and Utrecht University (UU) regarding the transition of Earth Sciences education and research have already been formalised.
Following initial discussions, a letter of intent was signed on 31 March by the dean of the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University and the dean of the Faculty of Science at VU Amsterdam. This declaration sets out the shared intention to jointly develop further agreements regarding education and research in the field of Earth Sciences, in the interests of the national discipline. These agreements will be formalised in cooperation agreements, in consultation with all parties involved.
Research
Which research lines will continue, and where will they be housed?
Four research lines will continue and will be integrated into other departments within the faculty, specifically the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE). These are the research lines focused on climate-related issues in the current era of human influence.
Which research lines will be phased out?
Research lines within the Geology and Geochemistry cluster, as well as climate research focused on the period before significant human impact, will be phased out as they do not align with the chosen focus and are not financially sustainable.
Education
What will happen to the degree programmes involving the Department of Earth Sciences?
- The BSc in Earth Sciences will be phased out.
- The BSc in Earth, Economics and Sustainability will be expanded with a new specialisation: Climate and Earth.
- The MSc in Earth Sciences will retain the Earth and Climate specialisation, which will be enhanced with expertise in soil science and geomorphology, as well as the Global Environmental Change and Policy specialisation. The Geology and Geochemistry specialisation will be phased out.
- The MSc in Hydrology will continue to exist and remains the only programme of its kind in the Netherlands.
How will the quality of education be safeguarded?
By focusing on climate science, the interdisciplinary and societal relevance of the programmes will be maintained. The degree programmes will be integrated into existing structures within the organisation and aligned with the faculty’s strengths. Additionally, five lecturers from the Department of Earth Sciences will remain at VU Amsterdam until summer 2027, and students will receive personalised study guidance. Furthermore, discussions are underway with Utrecht University (UU) to explore whether part of the teaching can continue within the Department of Earth Sciences there.
What is the impact on students?
Due to organisational and financial changes within the faculty, it will not be possible to offer the BSc in Earth Sciences in its usual form from September 2025 onwards. A careful phasing out of the programme is being developed, in collaboration with other degree programmes both within and outside VU Amsterdam. VU Amsterdam is committed to its duty of care for students and aims to ensure that current students are able to complete their studies. Individualised study plans and tailored support will be provided for each student.
How are prospective students being informed?
We have a responsibility to provide prospective students with accurate information so that they can make a well-informed study choice. Therefore, prospective students will receive an email explaining that, due to organisational and financial developments within the faculty, we will no longer be able to offer the BSc in Earth Sciences in its usual form as of September 2025. A careful phasing out of the programme is being planned in collaboration with other programmes within and beyond VU Amsterdam. However, under the current circumstances, we cannot guarantee that the programme for new students will proceed as it has in the past.
Impact on staff
What does this preliminary decision for reorganisation mean for staff?
If the Executive Board takes a final decision, the roles of 37 staff members will be discontinued as of 1 August 2025. The social plan will then apply to these employees. Affected staff will be designated as redeployment candidates. The VU’s Mobility Office will actively support and guide them in finding a new position within the university. If redeployment within VU Amsterdam is not successful, staff will receive assistance in finding employment elsewhere. Staff who are part of the four remaining research lines will be able to continue their work within the departments IVM or A-LIFE. PhD candidates will be able to complete their doctoral research. Tailored solutions will be offered to PhDs working within research lines that are being phased out. Lecturers will remain employed within the programme until 1 September 2027, when new student intake for the BSc in Earth Sciences and the relevant MSc specialisation will come to an end.
Future vision
How does this preliminary decision for reorganisation fit within the broader strategy of VU Amsterdam?
VU Amsterdam intends to focus its climate research on issues related to the era in which human activity influences the climate and the Earth. This focus aligns well with other research taking place at VU Amsterdam, where there is significant impact and expertise in this area. It also fits within the broader ambition of VU Amsterdam to make a meaningful contribution to sustainability and societal challenges.
What will happen to the infrastructure and laboratories used by Earth Sciences?
The laboratories currently used by the Department of Earth Sciences will, in due course, be repurposed for use by other departments that require laboratory facilities.
Practical questions
Where can students and staff go with their questions?
For students, academic advisors and programme coordinators are the first point of contact for any questions or concerns. Staff members can contact their supervisor, the management team of the Department of Earth Sciences, the Faculty Board, or HR. For general questions and information, please visit the central webpage on financial adjustments and budget measures, or attend one of the scheduled information sessions.
How will the VU community stay informed about further developments?
We are doing everything we can to communicate with care and to keep all stakeholders well-informed. Updates will be shared via the VU website, newsletters, and information sessions.