The Committee for the Freedom of Scientific Pursuit concerns itself with the freedom that scientists and scholars require to do their work. It advocates for scientists and scholars abroad who have been imprisoned or have had their freedom restricted in some other manner owing to their work.
In consultation with networks at other academies, the committee prepares letters to the heads of governments worldwide responsible for threatening and oppressing scientists and scholars.
In recent years, the committee has also focused on issues related to the freedom of scientific pursuit in a broader sense. For example: do research funding bodies offer enough monetary and other support for curiosity-driven research? What are the risks associated with international cooperation in research? Are the perspectives represented in Dutch research diverse enough? And how can open debate be protected at universities?
In early 2021, the committee published a report that provided a more detailed definition of the term ‘academic freedom’ (Academic freedom in the Netherlands: A conceptual analysis and guideline- Dutch only). As a follow-up to this publication, the Academy is organising deeper discussions on various sub-topics, such as political and social engagement, online harassment of scientists, contract research and undesirable influence, academic cooperation with unfree countries, and other current areas of tension.
Secretary
Committee Secretary CVW
In an letter to the network of authorities of research institutions in Argentina (RAICyT), the International Science Council (ISC) expresses its concern regarding the future of Argentina’s science system. The ISC offers its assistance in working with local and regional communities to develop a robust science sector which contributes to Argentina’s social, environmental and economic success. As member of the ISC, the KNAW wants to share this letter urging the government of Argentina to reconsider its recent decisions.
View news itemThe systematic screening of large groups of researchers coming to our country – as currently proposed by the Dutch government – is too imprecise and virtually impossible to implement.
View news itemDe KNAW en de Akademie van Kunsten veroordelen het geweld tegen vrouwen in het algemeen en tegen studenten en medewerkers op Iraanse universiteiten in het bijzonder.
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