Academics start campaign against government cuts
Academics from Leiden University have started a campaign against cuts at universities. From 26 June to 11 July, they are giving lunchtime pitches in Leiden and The Hague on the importance of research and higher education.
The new government has announced planned cuts to higher education of almost a billion euros. These cuts not only endanger the work at universities but also threaten the future of the Netherlands.
The cuts threaten the existence of essential degree programmes, faculties and universities. This will destroy crucial knowledge and insights that are of huge importance to Dutch society, both now and in the future. Without our research, the Netherlands is in danger, say the academics.
The academics’ campaign is to make policymakers, journalists, MPs and the general public aware of the devastating impact of these cuts and to mobilise them to action. Leiden University’s Executive Board supports the campaign.
Daily pitches
During the campaign, the researchers will deliver daily pitches about the importance of research and higher education. These will be in ‘Lunch Talks’ from 26 June to 11 July (from 12.00) in the Wijnhaven building in The Hague and in Leiden (BplusC, Nieuwstraat). In 15 minutes academics will explain why their research is of immeasurable value to society. They will address questions like ‘Why should society fund my work?’ and ‘What will the Netherlands lose if my research disappears?’ After the presentations there will be time for questions and discussions with the speakers.
Alongside the Lunch Talks, various researchers will explain the importance of research for the Netherlands in short videos.
Who is speaking?
See the campaign page to find out which speakers are giving a pitch and where.
Sign up as a speaker
Want to give a pitch or make a video on the importance of your research? See the campaign page (in Dutch) for more information.