What can the UvA contribute to making the Netherlands more resilient?

Susan te Pas: 'For example, we work with TNO, the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI) and the defence sector on the on-site detection of chemical weapons. But resilience is a theme in research with all sorts of partners, not just defence. We do AI-research into recognising deepfakes or suspicious financial flows, for example. Research in the field of quantum strengthens cybersecurity, and education in key technologies helps make the Netherlands and Europe less dependent on other countries. And something more unexpected: research on bird migration, which can help organise airports and flight routes more safely, including military flight routes.'

Christa Boer: 'Precisely because we are a broad university we can make a difference. Research into the effects of the threat of war on mental well-being, into polarisation and radicalisation, resilience in children from families who have fled war. All of these insights contribute to a strong and independent society.'

Why is it important to have this conversation now?

Susan te Pas: 'As a university we have a responsibility to contribute to solutions for complex societal challenges, and security and resilience are part of that. Given the current geopolitical situation, that responsibility has become more urgent. The question of how we do this is a much talked about issue in society, and therefore also among students and staff.'

Christa Boer: 'Society faces major security challenges: digital attacks, disruptions in energy and logistics, and social polarisation. It is up to us to provide insights that help address those challenges. As the university leadership, we want to have this discussion so that students and staff can make choices more easily: what do they themselves want to contribute to, and what not?'

What is the result of these discussions?

Susan te Pas: 'Together with the deans and the Executive Board, we have formulated a shared position statement. In it we explain why we consider this contribution important, that we continue to collaborate with societal partners such as the defence sector, and that this always takes place within our own frameworks and within the law.'

Christa Boer: 'The position statement is also a way to provide all students and staff with the same information: this is where we stand. It helps us to have the conversation with our community. Within departments, or in faculty-wide sessions, which will be a little different in each faculty. The position statement reflects the basis of what we as the UvA already do, but also makes clear where our boundaries lie.'

Where do those boundaries lie?

Susan te Pas: 'Our starting point is that we do not want to become involved in human rights violations or war crimes. We critically examine ethical dilemmas, safety and social impact. Our teaching and research must contribute to a better world. But we do have to be realistic: you can never fully guarantee how knowledge will be used. A screwdriver is intended for building something, but it can also be used as a weapon. That doesn’t mean you are not allowed to make screwdrivers, but it does mean you have to weigh things carefully.'

Christa Boer: 'Our research and teaching are always, first and foremost, aimed at strengthening society. That will not change. Collaborations must meet our ethical assessment and take place under conditions that safeguard academic freedom and careful handling of data. You can also see those values reflected in the strict ethical requirements of the EU, the government and the ministry itself.'

Why is it up to the UvA to commit to this?

Susan te Pas: 'Across the world, freedoms are under pressure, partly due to rapidly developing technology. As a university we have a responsibility to understand these systems and to study them critically.'

Christa Boer: 'The UvA is at the heart of society and has a public role in strengthening democracy and freedoms, including our own academic freedom. These are not self-evident and require ongoing care. Critical scholarship is indispensable in that regard.'

More information

• The deans and the Executive Board of the UvA have formulated a guiding principle on collaboration with societal partners such as defence, aimed at strengthening the resilience and security of the Netherlands.
• On this page, students, researchers and other staff members can find more information about how the UvA approaches this topic.