Netherlands: "If research is to function properly, academic freedom is crucial" (M. Dogterom, KNAW)

"These are turbulent times for research. Much has happened in the research world over the past year that has caused us to raise concerns. We are also concerned about the extent to which academic freedom is under pressure in the Netherlands, and we are deeply troubled by the daily assault on academic freedom and research in the United States", declares Marileen Dogterom, President of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), on 05/06/2025.

The President, in her annual address, recalls the KNAW report on academic freedom in the Netherlands, published on 15/05/2025, calling on the Dutch government to act to safeguard academic freedom, a call that was joined by Unesco Netherlands and the rectors of Dutch universities.

"If research is to function properly, academic freedom is crucial. It means having the freedom to ask questions, to choose research methods, and to communicate the results without fearing negative repercussions", she states.

"For Dutch society to function properly, its people must feel confident that the knowledge they receive is not driven by political…