Opening of the Academic Year: ‘Stop the cuts to education’
Scrap the radical cuts to research and teaching. This was researchers and students’ message to government at the opening of the new academic year. Various speakers in Leiden’s Pieterskerk highlighted the importance of science for society.
The announced cuts will hit universities and society hard, President of the Executive Board Annetje Ottow warned in her opening speech on 2 September. She gave some topical examples.
‘Our researchers and experts help policymakers with issues like democracy, security, the nitrogen problem, healthcare challenges and a functioning judiciary.’ Drastic cuts will have immediate implications for how we tackle the complex problems of our times, said Ottow.
Fewer English-taught programmes
Ottow also reflected on the plans to force universities to teach some programmes that are currently taught in English in Dutch only. ‘From now on international talent will seek a job or a university place beyond our national borders. That will be a drain on our programmes and an assault on our research quality.’
She praised the initiatives of researchers and staff who have used lectures and films to protest against the planned cuts. More action is needed in the run-up to Budget Day, she said. ‘Let’s continue to pull together and show where we can make a difference.’
There are widespread concerns in the Netherlands about the threatened cuts. Eleven interest groups therefore held an alternative opening of the academic year in Utrecht, focusing on the effects of these plans.
Bringing science to policy
That was why the day’s theme was ‘Science for Policy’: the role of science in policy development. It is not up to academia to chart a political course, said keynote speaker Corien Prins, Chair of the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR). ‘But as researchers, lecturers and students we do not just stand on the sidelines.’
Researchers, said Prins, play a crucial role in politicians and policymakers’ ability to make choices based on reliable research and expertise. She referred to current geopolitical tensions, for example. ‘Every academic discipline without exception has potentially relevant and valuable knowledge, knowledge that is sorely needed.’
Strike another balance
However, bringing science to policy is complex, said Prins. It requires researchers to put themselves in the world of policy and social context, and to think carefully about how their knowledge can be most useful.
Prins also called for a different balance of national and international themes. She believes more research is needed that centres on typically Dutch issues. ‘In short, science for policy is about making choices, setting priorities and thinking your ambitions through before you get started.’
Bearers of science
In video interviews, researchers explained how their research contributes to knowledge about big societal themes. Sinologist Rogier Creemers, for example, advises the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about developments in China. Public administration expert Valérie Pattyn researches the influence of policy evaluations and underwater archaeologist Martijn Manders advises governments on maritime heritage. All three are concerned that before long the money and capacity needed to utilise the expertise of researchers will be lacking.
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Rector Hester Bijl talks to students and an alderman. -
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Madrigal choir from Sempre Crescendo student music association. -
How do students contribute?
After the videos with Leiden researchers, it was the turn of students and alumni. Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl emphasised how, during their studies, students already acquire knowledge about current issues such as climate change. They also learn how they can contribute to policy solutions, in the Public Administration and Governance of Sustainability programmes, for example.
Bijl spoke with students Hannah Saberi, Lianne Harmsen, Niels Groenweg and Maus Francoys about the university’s participation bodies and how their degrees help them in their work for an interest group for medical students, for example.
When asked whether he had any advice for the audience, alumnus and climate alderman Ashley North said, ‘Feel free to offer critical advice because only then will we create a better society.’
University Medal
Some special prizes were conferred on some special winners during the ceremony. Emeritus Professor of University History Willem Otterspeer was awarded the University Medal by Rector Hester Bijl.
‘You described the university as a being that constantly balances between extremes, and that is what you have done too’, said Bijl. ‘I am convinced that a hundred years from now your books will still be a popular portal to the worlds of yesteryear. Leiden University is still grateful to you for that.’
Otterspeer had a few wisecracks up his sleeve. ‘Back then, I could choose between a job at NRC Handelsblad and the university. I made the right decision.’
Beneficiaries of science
Then it was time to move away from the university’s past to the challenges of today. In a video, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Province of Zuid-Holland and the Association of Dutch Municipalities explained how important science is to their policymaking.
They gave concrete examples such as research on polarisation in society, developments in healthcare and sustainability goals. In short, all these authorities use scientific research for their policymaking.
LUS Teaching Prize
Like every year, it was now drum roll time: who would win the LUS Teaching Prize? Students could nominate their favourite teacher, and in the end three nominees remained: university historian Pieter Slaman, psychologist Sepideh Saadat and anatomist Marcus de Ruiter.
After words of praise for all three nominees, the prize went to... Pieter Slaman.
Birte van der Heide from the Leiden University Student Platform explained why. ‘Slaman uses humour in his lectures and tutorials and is open with his students. He can speak passionately about the university’s history but what struck us most is his big heart for students.’
Slaman was honoured to accept the 25,000-euro prize for educational initiatives. ‘We light a fire in lecture halls every day. Students bring fuel from all corners of the world to stoke that fire. The teacher’s role in this is actually quite limited. It’s the students who do most of the work. I dedicate this prize to all who make it possible for us to do our work as teaching staff, such as the education administration and the department offices.’
Cath Prize for medical student
Then it was time for the Mr. K.J. Cath Prize, which is awarded every two years to a student or staff member who has made a positive contribution to the university. Vice-chairman of the Executive Board Martijn Ridderbos explained the jury’s decision.
The jury unanimously chose medical student Nour Al Kuhaili for her impressive academic track record together with her dedication to improving patient care and people’s health and lifestyles. She combines this with a strong commitment to more inclusion in healthcare.
‘Her work not only has a positive impact within the university but also helps build a positive image of our university outside’, said Ridderbos. ‘Nour is a role model to other students, particularly those who are the first in their families to find their way to the university.’
On receiving the prize, Nour called on those present to ask themselves what they would do if they were not afraid of failing. ‘And then go and do that. As students but especially as doctors, let’s use our voices for the things we believe in.’
Countdown to the anniversary
As the ceremony came to an end, Annetje Ottow took the floor again. She said she hoped the many examples had shown how collaboration with universities makes society smarter, safer and more sustainable. She also spoke directly to the students, praising their many great initiatives and wishing them a successful academic year.
She concluded the ceremony with the next anniversary: in 2025 the university is an impressive 450 years old. The theme of this anniversary is ‘Ahead of the times’. And for this anniversary students from the Royal Academy of Arts have designed a logo, which was now revealed in a video.
Watch the opening ceremony again
With audio in English
With English subtitles
Photos: Monique Shaw