Assessment Frameworks for Sensitive Partnerships
Maastricht University is committed to ensuring that our research, teaching and collaborations are conducted safely and responsibly, in line with our institutional values. To determine whether a proposed partnership or project is sufficiently secure and meets UM standards and expectations, we have established assessment frameworks for three domains: knowledge security, human rights and a fossil-free society.
Assessment frameworks
Knowledge security
In today’s geopolitical climate, greater vigilance is needed when entering into international partnerships. The security of our knowledge, particularly when it comes to sensitive technologies, is of vital importance.
Together, we must ensure that such knowledge and technology are not used in ways that could harm our national security, innovative capacity or academic freedom. The UM Knowledge Security Assessment Framework and dedicated advisers help to ensure that international collaborations proceed as safely as possible.
Assessment Framework International Cooperation and Knowledge Security (TISK) UM
Human rights
Together with our partner institutions, we aim to share and develop knowledge while also safeguarding fundamental human rights. We therefore recognise our responsibility to assess whether any of our institutional partners may be involved in serious human rights violations. To ensure that our education and research do not contribute to such violations, the UM Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment Framework has been established.
Assessments are carried out by the Human Rights Advisory Committee (HRAC), which advises the Executive Board on whether to enter into, renew or continue institutional strategic partnerships. The HRAC also provides advice on projects and individual collaborations when a member of the university community submits a specific proposal for review.
UM Human Rights Due Diligence Assessment Framework
Fossil-free society
International collaboration is one of the cornerstones of academic research. Founded on openness and the protection of academic freedom, it forms the basis for continuous innovation and progress. At UM, we are also firmly convinced - on the basis of scientific evidence - of the urgency of the climate crisis and recognise the need for decisive action to limit further harm.
The UM Fossil-Free Society Assessment Framework aids in evaluating whether proposed research collaborations are consistent with UM’s contribution to the transition towards a fossil-free society. The framework assesses both the nature of the research project and the profile of the prospective partner.
Transition to a fossil-free society
The assessment frameworks help UM staff make well-considered judgements about the potential impact of collaboration and maintain a healthy balance between academic freedom and social responsibility. More information about the assessments and how staff can submit requests for assessment is available on the staff intranet.
Institutional partnerships
In addition to handling individual requests from UM staff, the human rights assessment is applied to institutional strategic partnerships in countries where there are indications of large-scale human rights violations or international crimes. Such partnerships may include UM-wide institutional networks, interfaculty collaborations and commercial partnerships.
As a pilot, in 2025 the Executive Board asked the Human Rights Advisory Committee (HRAC) to assess partnerships in three countries using the human rights framework. This includes collaborations with institutions in Israel, in line with the decision taken in 2024. Read more below about the recommendations and resulting decisions.
HRAC recommendations and Executive Board decisions
Below are the HRAC’s recommendations to the Executive Board, along with the Board’s reasoned decisions.
Recommendations
HRDD Phase 1 Country Assessment Report: Sudan
HRDD Phase 2 Partner Assessment Report: Sudan
HRDD Phase 1 Country Assessment Report: Israel/Palestine
HRDD Phase 2 Partner Assessment Report: Israel/Palestine
Decision
Executive Board Decision | 31 October 2025
Questions?
The Sensitive Partnerships Unit (SPU) is the central point of contact for all questions and requests relating to the three frameworks and to sensitive partnerships in general.
News
UM decision on strategic collaboration in Israel and Sudan
