The UvA collaborates with numerous partners both domestically and internationally. This is crucial, as free academic exchange leads to better science and global connections. Our globally shared scientific methods are stronger than political differences. However, this freedom is not unlimited. The UvA has an advisory committee, consisting of experienced scientists, faculty members, and policy staff, which assesses our research collaborations based on the 'Policy Framework for Collaboration with Third Parties.'

Collaboration with organizations in war and conflict zones

Our current framework is insufficient for evaluating collaboration in war and conflict zones. The framework primarily addresses research projects, while current discussions also include educational collaborations with other universities. Additionally, the framework focuses solely on new collaborations, while the outbreak of war and conflict can also raise questions about existing collaborations.

The principle remains that we want to keep opportunities for scientific collaboration as open as possible, but at the same time, we do not want to become involved in human rights violations or war crimes through these collaborations. If this is found to be the case after evaluation against our revised framework, the UvA will withdraw from the collaboration after consulting with the other partners.

New collaborations will be assessed in advance by the Committee for Collaboration with Third Parties. Until the revision of our ethical framework is complete, we will not enter into new institutional collaborations in areas experiencing war.

Adding to the Policy Framework for Collaboration with Third Parties

Last year, the ethical framework was supplemented following discussions about collaboration with the fossil energy sector. Dialogue sessions were organized, involving the entire academic community. After this consultation, the proposal was adjusted, and a decision was made.

We are now following the same approach, within a much shorter timeframe, regarding collaboration with parties in war and conflict zones. This policy will apply to any country, company, or partner university, enabling better evaluation both now and in the future. The policy framework will become mandatory: every collaboration with parties in war and conflict zones must be submitted for review by the committee.

What are the plans?

• We have established a broad and inclusive ad hoc working group with the participation of experts in (international) collaboration, including members from the Advisory Committee for Collaboration with Third Parties.
• In the first half of June, we will organize dialogue sessions for staff and students in each faculty.
• The working group will process the outcomes and propose additions to the existing framework.
• The proposal will be presented to the entire academic community via the digital platform ‘Denk mee’ between June 21 and 28.
• The working group will incorporate the feedback received via the platform. The Executive Board, in consultation with the deans, will make a final decision in early July, after which the revised framework for Collaboration with Third Parties will take effect.