1,200 people have been permanently appointed to sector schemes. Do you have to fire those 1,200 people again?
It seems that they do not value this international outlook very much.
“There are more arguments.” Three years ago, it was estimated that there was a lack of funding in science, which led to, among other things, high workloads and social safety problems. Previous government investments were partly aimed at addressing this problem. So it is a shock to see that everything, or at least half of it, has been upended. Of course we will have to see if that actually happens, but we were shocked by this first sign.
Is it a signal? Isn’t there only black and white?
“I don’t think it’s clear yet how much freedom the minister has in interpreting these financial sections. And perhaps this person has room to achieve those cuts in another way. I’m just imagining for a moment, but who knows, some issues may be open and the new minister will be free to explore For other majorities in the House of Representatives, the ideas of the opposition parties can again have an influence.
But at the moment, for example, there is a reduction of 215 million euros per year on sector plans in the agreement, in which universities jointly agree on the path of education and research.
“Yes, and cutting that budget would be a very bad idea.” This was a structural investment. You can discuss those other funds; They were almost finished anyway. But not the sector plans. 1,200 people were permanently appointed for this purpose. Hopefully the soup won’t be eaten that hot, but if you take these numbers literally, should you fire those 1,200 people again?
Do you have to wait for the new minister and then hope that he will listen to you?
“We can actually talk to politicians. What is the idea behind the Research and Science Fund, which will be reduced by $1 billion in the coming years? It just hasn’t happened. We can explain that, and then it’s up to the House of Representatives or the Cabinet to make choices. And that It also applies to the sector plans, which came under a lot of pressure from politicians and we also make agreements to protect the Dutch cycle, for example, don’t they want that?
You might wonder whether a sensible conversation would help if these parties were willing to limit internationalization to that extent.
“We understand the concerns that the system must be able to cope with internationalization. There must be enough accommodation; in some cities that plays a role. Universities have also not yet been able to impose a digital reform on foreign language courses, so it is It makes sense to give them more control and ask them to handle this properly. At the same time, the quality of Dutch science is clearly linked to openness and sharing of talent. You don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
