Recognition & Rewards
Maastricht Young Academy (MYA) actively advised on the Maastricht University (UM) policy of Recognition & Rewards (R&R). Additionally, we spearheaded the discussion on academic citizenship. We participated in various task forces and working groups to ensure the perspective of junior academics was heard. We continue to participate in implementation and monitoring. On this page, you will find an archive of our documents on this topic and a summary of the public debate we hosted.
We are eager to experience the positive impact the R&R policy can have on our university but are also anticipating challenges ahead. Do you want to share your view or story? We would love to hear from you.
Open letter on "Everyone (iedereen) Professor"
MYA believes that reserving the title "Professor" for only those in the latest stages of their career and not allowing it to be used by Assistant or Associate Professors is out of place in international academia and serves little positive purpose. Read our open letter about the topic here.
Join the movement towards a new academic citizenship
MYA has worked with our university’s senior management to call for more emphasis on academic citizenship. Part of this conversation is the need to change leadership training at our university as soon as possible to align it with these new perspectives on academic citizenship. Click here to read the call to join the movement towards a new academic citizenship.
Summary of the debate on R&R
On 14 January 2022, MYA hosted a debate on R&R between two signatories of letters in favour of and opposition to this new policy. Prof Hanneke Hulst (Leiden University) and Prof Floris de Lange (Radboud University) helped us dive into the relevant topic of the R&R revolution.
The debate mainly focused on the issues of current forms of evaluation in research, but also the evaluation of teaching, leadership and impact was discussed.
Prof Hanneke Hulst stated:
- That R&R is evolving.
- Because we are currently in a period of change, we need to practice, learn from past mistakes and include richer qualities of definition beyond quantifiable metrics when trying to develop a more adequate system.
- She stressed that R&R aims for people to make fitting decisions and enhance the potential of their research and work, doing so by rewarding excellent academics in all fields and disciplines.
Prof Floris de Lange argued:
- The main issue in R&R lies within the scientific indicators that make it hard to evaluate and compare people with different aims or skills.
- By stressing the importance of evaluating research potential, he highlights that new, more efficient methods of evaluation need to be developed.
- People with different kinds of expertise are needed and to be heard, as variety plays a pivotal role. However, when using metrics there is little room for diversity.
- We need more objective criteria so that everybody is allowed to be part of the conversation and to choose their own way.
All in all, there is an urgent need for measurements that value all skills and potential of academics. Only if we integrate efficient indicators, can we build a fair Recognition and Rewards programme and provide equivalent opportunities for all academics.
Position paper on Recognition & Rewards
At the MYA we are actively taking part in the discussion on the R&R policy. This is an initiative that is widely supported. To voice our support, but also to offer critical reflections to support further development, the MYA published a position paper in October 2021. In the paper, we provide insights from the perspective of the young academic and offer essential questions that we think should be part of the discussion.