With this framework, the university emphasises its commitment to both safeguarding academic freedom and making ethically sound choices in a world increasingly marked by war and conflict.
Completion of the pilot phase
A committee of experts has tested and evaluated the initial version of the assessment framework over the past months, applying it to four cases. The committee formulated recommendations to strengthen the framework, as well as advice on each of the specific cases. The committee concluded that the case-by-case approach VU advocates is effective, and it recommended that a number of guiding principles be added to the framework. These and other suggestions have been incorporated into a revised version of the framework. Regarding the four pilot cases, the committee advised that two collaborations could continue, one should be continued with mitigating measures, and in one case the committee advised exploring ways to discontinue the collaboration.
"International collaboration takes place in an increasingly complex world. During the pilot phase, we as a committee observed that the framework offers valuable guidance for carefully assessing international partnerships in practice. By looking at each case individually, the committee can offer well-considered advice – with attention to human rights, academic freedom, and the specific context of each collaboration," says Stef van Gompel, chair of the advisory committee Assessment of risks related to armed conflicts and human rights in international collaborations. The Executive Board is adopting the committee’s advice and is entering into dialogue with the relevant faculties and researchers. To protect those involved, no specific case details will be publicly disclosed. The committee’s evaluation report and the revised version of the assessment framework can be read on this page.
In the six months following the introduction of the framework, existing international collaborations with partners falling under step 1 of the framework will also be reviewed. Based on the outcome, these collaborations may be continued or terminated, and mitigating measures may be taken if necessary.
Freedom and responsibility: a value-driven framework
Also in its revised form, the framework reflects the approach of VU Amsterdam of combining academic freedom with moral responsibility. Academic freedom is the beating heart of the university. Free thought, free research, and free speech are essential for progress and for maintaining an open society. At a time when geopolitical tensions around the world threaten these freedoms, it is more important than ever to actively defend the freedom of expression and independent knowledge creation.
VU Amsterdam has always been a university deeply driven by values. This means it not only invokes freedom, but also links that freedom to responsibility. That is why we make moral considerations in our international partnerships. When institutions are demonstrably involved in severe human rights violations, collaboration is not in line with the foundational principles of VU Amsterdam. To facilitate this process transparently and responsibly, an assessment framework has been developed – based on internationally recognised human rights standards and the advice of an independent expert committee.
The framework supports researchers and faculties in making conscious decisions when initiating or continuing international collaborations. In case of doubt or complexity, the committee can provide guidance. Each year, VU Amsterdam will publicly report on how many collaborations were assessed under the framework and in how many cases collaborations were either not established or discontinued.
Consultation: shaping the framework together
Based on the committee’s recommendations, a second version of the framework has now been formulated. Input from various bodies and stakeholders has also been incorporated. Students and staff of VU Amsterdam are now invited to share their views on this revised version. Their feedback will be included in the next version of the framework, which will then be adopted by the Executive Board. The feedback form can be found on this page. Beyond the influence of evolving external factors, the use and application of the framework will be regularly evaluated and, where necessary, adapted. In this way, we build a framework together that not only sets standards, but is also broadly supported within our academic community.
