Join the UM Dialogues on Academic Freedom
End of May 2025, the rectors of the Dutch universities published a statement in which they wrote about the pressure on academic freedom, not only abroad, but also in the Netherlands. It involves polarising conversations on the campuses, protests and controversial topics that are being avoided. The rectors announced a broad dialogue on academic freedom, in and around all universities: “Not to politely agree, but precisely to be able to disagree without the conversation breaking down. To explore how we can endure conflicting beliefs and societal pressure without sacrificing freedom.”
In her speech at the Dies Natalis earlier this year, UM President Pamela Habibović, our rector at that time, referred to this as follows: “We need to stay true to academic values — ranging from freedom to responsibility and integrity. For most of you that goes without saying — and yet, it needs saying! For these academic values are under attack now perhaps more than at any time during the past 50 years. (…) We have to, and we can, face these challenges in the hard-won spirit of resilience and openness that make us who we are.”
This emphasises the importance of true dialogue. We invite the UM-community to take part in the dialogues on three different topics concerning academic freedom (see below). A particular aim is to also involve the teaching staff, researchers, support staff and students who may not be actively engaged in the debates, protests or activism as yet, but are also concerned members of our community and are wondering how to deal with this new reality.
Why dialogues?
The dialogues foster a space for thoughtful exchange, based on mutual recognition and respect, where people explore ideas together rather than debating or trying to convince one another. The goal is to reach shared understanding and collective insight - through listening to understand, respecting everyone, remaining curious, suspending judgement and sharing real thoughts and experiences. So it is not about arguing or trying to win. The intention of the dialogues is to provide a safe space for different opinions.
The goal and the outcomes
The goal is the dialogue itself: to connect, share and explore. However, we would also like to collect the different ideas, feelings and opinions about the three topics and academic freedom in general, and share them with the Executive Board. At a final panel on Monday 8 June, the Executive Board will be invited to reflect on the insights we gained from the dialogues.
These dialogues about academic freedom create space to discuss boundaries and tensions, helping to build mutual understanding. They encourage students and staff to freely explore, share, and critically discuss ideas.
In the dialogues organized by Omnium, listening plays a central role. The format and professional guidance help ensure that conversations remain respectful and that everyone has the opportunity to be heard. By engaging with different perspectives, participants can develop greater understanding and respect for one another.
We hope this series is the start of more dialogues about important values of our academic community.
Interested in joining?
Are you curious about what others have to say about academic freedom? Would you like to take part in an open discussion with a small group where you can share your opinions according to the rules of dialogue and under the guidance of an experienced moderator? Are you open to listening and to sharing? Then we encourage you to register below.
Registration and selection
These dialogues are open to the whole UM-community, and our aim is to involve a diverse group of participants from different faculties and service centres, including staff and students with a variety of viewpoints. We welcome strong interest in these dialogues. If registrations are high, we might make a selection or organise more sessions so that more members of the community can participate. It is possible to register for one or more dialogues, but a selection process may apply here as well, as we want as many different voices as possible to be heard.
Three dialogues
The central question for all three dialogues is: ‘What is the public role of our university at a time when academic freedom is under pressure?’ However, each dialogue focuses on one specific aspect that is putting pressure on academic freedom.
Differences, Contradictions and Coexistence – The Tension between Social Safety and Intellectual Freedom: Dealing with Sensitive Topics in Research and Education
Took place on Wednesday 1 April
The university should be a place where ideas can flow freely. But how free is academic discourse today? In this dialogue we look at situations on the floor and in the classroom, and explore tensions between academic freedom and social safety. Who decides what is “too sensitive” and what can be taught, discussed or challenged? Is there room for different opinions, and can we talk about it with respect? How do we deal with topics that can be experienced as hurtful or confrontational? Should we create a safe learning environment while discussing controversial topics, and how can we do so? How do you deal with political pressure or public outrage concerning research? What role do universities play in protecting researchers who publish controversial results?
Limits of Involvement – Balance between Academic Freedom, Social Responsibility, Activism and Protests
Took place on Wednesday 22 April
When we see or experience injustice, some of us feel powerless, while others are prompted to speak out, take action or protest. Is this a matter of freedom of speech or also part of academic freedom? What is the distinction between academic freedom and the liberty of an academic to speak out on matters of concern? Do you feel, as an academic, you have a moral obligation to speak out against social injustices? Is neutrality in science an ideal or an illusion? How should universities balance academic freedom, civic engagement, and institutional responsibilities? How can a university ensure safety without suppressing free expression? Should a university remain neutral in political conflicts?
Knowledge, Safety and Collaboration - Autonomy of the University under Geopolitical Pressure: Freedom in International Cooperation
Wednesday 20 May
Meeting Space XL Social Hub, Sphinxcour 9, Maastricht
16:00-18:00 (in Dutch) Register
19:00-21:00 (in English) Register (Fully booked, check the afternoon session or register for the stand-by list)
There is a strong call from some members of the academic community to stop the collaboration with certain (international) partners. Maastricht University is committed to ensuring that the 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. While some members of the university community advocate for additional measures, others have raised questions about how such approaches may interact with principles of academic freedom. How should universities assess their moral responsibilities when considering collaboration with partners operating within or linked to regimes associated with human rights or environmental concerns? How do you deal with partners from countries where academic freedom is restricted? How do you weigh open knowledge sharing against the risks of misuse? Will geopolitical developments put further pressure on academic freedom and how do we prepare for that? How do you respond when funding becomes dependent on political conditions?
Moderator and hosts
Harry Hummels is the moderator of the dialogues with extensive experience in making sensitive topics discussable. He is Full Professor of Ethics, Organisations and Society at Maastricht University and a fellow of the university’s European Centre for Corporate Engagement (ECCE). In addition, he is Professor Emeritus of Social Entrepreneurship at Utrecht University. For nearly twenty years, Harry held senior management positions in the financial sector and was a senior advisor to the executive director of the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS). At present, he sits on various boards and advisory committees. He researches and publishes on Ethics, Agape, Social Entrepreneurship, Impact Investing, Responsible Investing, Corporate Responsibility, and Philosophy of Work, while also having published two cookbooks.
Each dialogue is hosted by a member of the UM-community, who will kick off the dialogue with some thoughts on the topic .
- Dialogue 1: Jan Smits, Rector Magnificus ad interim and Professor Private Law
- Dialogue 2: Philip Vergauwen, Professor Business, Engineering and Science for Integrated Impact, School of Business and Economics and Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Dialogue 3: Sophie Vanhoonacker, Chair in Administrative Governance and Jean Monnet Professor, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.