International research collaboration and an open science system are important for Dutch science and society and for the economy of the Netherlands. The Academy wishes to see international mobility preserved in the academic world. The Netherlands should retain its status as an attractive place for international researchers and students. The language of instruction used in study programmes plays an important role in this context and is an issue that requires thoughtful, meaningful debate.
The responsibility for choosing the language of instruction and for ensuring access to academic education should be borne by the academic institutions. This requires coordination at regional and national level, however.
Dutch science has a strong position internationally, with the Netherlands ranking among the top five countries in the world. (Science policy indicators, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science). This has led to greater prosperity and wellbeing and makes an important contribution to solving major problems that society is facing. Maintaining and reinforcing that strong position for future generations is not something to be taken for granted. It depends on having an open and internationally oriented science system, one that is attractive and accessible for both Dutch and international talents and that is aligned with the society and labour market of the future.
Dutch researchers can only advance by sharing knowledge and expertise and collaborating with top scientists the world over. Many of society’s ills, including climate change and pandemics, transcend national borders. Without close international collaboration, such problems cannot be solved. English is the language of communication in the vast majority of research, across all disciplines, making it possible for researchers to share knowledge and expertise. It also allows foreign talents to do their work in the Netherlands and contribute in this way to our research and its impact on our society. We must prevent a situation in which they can no longer be accommodated in academic education, or leave or avoid the Netherlands because they are anxious about their future here. The position and legal certainty of international researchers must be given special consideration.
Teaching and research are inextricably linked at universities. Their interaction is the very essence of academic education. It is thanks to this interaction that students are able to develop an enquiring and critical attitude towards their work. Such skills are essential in any profession for which students are being trained, whether in academia or elsewhere. It is because of this interaction that the Academy wishes to share its views on the importance of maintaining an international outlook in academic education.
International research collaboration and an open science system are important for Dutch science and society and for the economy of the Netherlands. The Academy wishes to see international mobility preserved in the academic world.
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