Academic Freedom under Pressure | Panel

MON 8 JUNE, 20:00
Auditorium, Minderbroedersberg 4-6

Academic freedom is one of the important principles of the university. It is essential for good scientific practice, but there are limits: scientists and scholars from all domains must always seek a proper balance between academic freedom and independence on the one hand, and social responsibility on the other hand. The question is, where this balance lies, who decides and who is responsible for it. 

End of May 2025, the rectors of the Dutch universities published a statement in which they wrote about the pressure on academic freedom, not only abroad, but also in the Netherlands. It involves polarising conversations on the campuses, protests and controversial topics that are being avoided. The rectors announced a broad dialogue on academic freedom, in and around all universities: “Not to politely agree, but precisely to be able to disagree without the conversation breaking down. To explore how we can endure conflicting beliefs and societal pressure without sacrificing freedom.”

In April and May this year we organised three dialogues on Academic Freedom. One on sensitive topics, one on activism and one on (international) cooperation. Read more about this here.

With this panel we want to reflect on the important issues that came out these dialogues. Can we draw conclusions and find a way how to move forward? Join this panel and share your ideas and concerns.

Panellists:
Prof. mr. André Nollkaemper
University Professor International Law and Sustainability, University of Amsterdam and chair of the KNAW Committee on Academic Freedom
Prof. dr. Jan Smits
Rector Magnificus ad interim and Professor of Private Law, Maastricht University and member of the KNAW Committee on Freedom of Expression in the Scientific Sector
Peter Kwikkers
Founder TriasNet Consultants, former Policy Advisor, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, Chairman of the Higher Education Law working group of the Dutch Association for Education Law and writer of the book Uitzicht op academische vrijheid (Prospect of Academic Freedom)

Moderator:
Rob van Duijn
Head Studium Generale, Maastricht University