Kennis & creativiteit als basis van onze samenleving.

Welkom bij de Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen: hoeder en duider van de wetenschap in Nederland

Academy Lecture 30 May 2023, at the Academy Afternoon of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences By Peter-Paul Verbeek, University of Amsterdam

Academy Lecture 30 May 2023, at the Academy Afternoon of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.


Academy Lecture 2023: Academic freedom as a challenge. On scientific responsibility and the courage to doubt

"Natural gas is no cleaner than other fossil fuels, and using it instead of coal or oil involves the risk of little or no reduction in the effects of greenhouse gases." That is the conclusion of the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) in its new report on "The Future of Gas".

"Natural gas is no cleaner than other fossil fuels, and using it instead of coal or oil involves the risk of little or no reduction in the effects of greenhouse gases." That is the conclusion of the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC) in its new report on "The Future of Gas". 

EASAC report The Future of Gas

In a new report, scientists from National Science Academies express concern about Member States and industry using loopholes in EU pesticide regulations to allow the continued use of banned insecticides.

In a new report, scientists from National Science Academies express concern about Member States and industry using loopholes in EU pesticide regulations to allow the continued use of banned insecticides. Prof. Michael Norton, EASAC’s Environment Director: “To claim that the threat to food security due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine means we have to stick with conventional chemical-dependent agriculture is unjustified. There is plenty of evidence that proposed alternative methods can deliver the same or even better yields while maintaining nature’s ecosystem services.”

EASAC-report Neonicotinoids and their substitutes in sustainable pest control 

The Academy is the forum, the voice and the conscience of science in the Netherlands. Its institutes lead the way here and abroad with their research and collections. Its activities are based on the conviction that knowledge and creativity are the most important ingredients for well-being and prosperity.

About the KNAW

It is important and urgent for the planning agencies to systematically survey the effects of investments in science on indicators of broad well-being. The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences states this in a new advisory report on The Value of Science – Observe, Know and Measure [Waarde van Wetenschap – Observeren, weten en meten]. At present, that value is wrongly absent from the planning agencies' models, leading to underinvestment in science.

It is important and urgent for the planning agencies to systematically survey the effects of investments in science on indicators of broad well-being. The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (the “Academy”) states this in a new advisory report on The Value of Science – Observe, Know and Measure [Waarde van Wetenschap – Observeren, weten en meten]. At present, that value is wrongly absent from the planning agencies' models, leading to underinvestment in science.

Value of science. Observe, Know and Measure

In its latest statement, the European federation of academies of sciences and humanities (ALLEA) evaluates the undesirable effects of current 'big deals' and provides recommendations for research institutions, libraries, and policymakers on how to arrive at a more equitable system for sharing and accessing research publications under the new EU copyright rules.

In its latest statement, the European federation of academies of sciences and humanities (ALLEA) evaluates the undesirable effects of current 'big deals' and provides recommendations for research institutions, libraries, and policymakers on how to arrive at a more equitable system for sharing and accessing research publications under the new EU copyright rules.

 ALLEA advocates for EU-wide secondary publication rights and better negotiation of future 'big deals'

Dutch academia is working on the Recognition and Rewards Programme, a different and broader approach to recognising academic staff for the work they do. The programme will result in changes in the years ahead: changes in procedures for obtaining funding and in the way teams and individual staff members are assessed. The Academy has developed its own plan, tailored to its organisation. The new plan will have various practical implications for Academy staff.

Dutch academia is working on the Recognition and Rewards Programme, a different and broader approach to recognising academic staff for the work they do. 

Recognition and Rewards agenda for 2022 - 2025

Gonda Lecture spoken by Upinder Singh, 10 June 2022. The J. Gonda Foundation supports the scholarly study of Sanskrit, other classical Indian languages and literature, and Indian cultural history. The Foundation organizes the Gonda Lecture every year, which is also published.<h2>Inscribing power on the realm: Royal ideology and religious policy in India c. 200 BCE-300 CE</h2>Upinder Singh, Professor of History, Ashoka University, Sonepat, India, argues that the fundamental template of ancient Indian political ideology and religious policy was established during the period c. 200 BCE-300 CE through a continuous dialogic process revealed in the manner in which kings inscribed their power on their realm. She does so by drawing on epigraphic evidence to focus on three themes.

Upinder Singh argues that the fundamental template of ancient Indian political ideology and religious policy was established during the period c. 200 BCE-300 CE through a continuous dialogic process revealed in the manner in which kings inscribed their power on their realm. She does so by drawing on epigraphic evidence to focus on three themes.



Gonda Lecture by Upinder Singh

Scientists are increasingly being asked to 'go public' and cooperate with parties outside their familiar academic circle. This exchange is important for establishing trust between science and society, responding to contemporary issues and for jointly working on solutions to societal problems. However, these communication- and engagement-activities do not yet form a natural part of the duties of Dutch academics, meaning that there is generally a lack of time, resources, and support from the knowledge institution concerned.

The Rewarded! guide, published on 31 October 2022, helps knowledge institutions to recognize and reward scientists who are structurally involved in science communication and public engagement activities.


Science Communication by Scientists: Rewarded!

What does Dutch science need in the event of a future pandemic in order to provide knowledge that contributes to fighting the outbreak and preventing harm to society? An Academy advisory committee identified the lessons the scientific community can learn from the past period.

To be properly prepared for future large-scale infectious disease outbreaks, Dutch scientists need to better cooperate, both within and beyond their discipline. They also need to share research data with one another more frequently. In a new advisory report, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW, “the Academy”) argues that policymakers and knowledge institutions have an important role to play in making this possible. According to the Academy, by already creating the right conditions right now, scientists can get straight to work if the situation calls for it.

With the Knowledge of the Future. Science Well Prepared for Pandemics

Climate scientists, united in a temporary advisory body set up by NWO and KNAW, are recommending that a ‘Dutch Climate Research Initiative’ (Klimaatonderzoek Initiatief Nederland – KIN) will be established as soon as possible. The Task Force report published details the potential design and function of the KIN.

Climate scientists, united in a temporary advisory body set up by NWO and KNAW, are recommending that a ‘Dutch Climate Research Initiative’ (Klimaatonderzoek Initiatief Nederland – KIN) will be established as soon as possible. The Task Force report published details the potential design and function of the KIN.

Dutch Climate Research Initiative KIN

At the request of the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (the “Academy”) has published Social Safety in Dutch Academia: From Paper to Practice, a guide with recommendations and tips for preventing or tackling inappropriate behaviour at an early stage. Its purpose is to initiate a process for increasing social safety in Dutch academia.

At the request of the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (the “Academy”) has published Social Safety in Dutch Academia: From Paper to Practice, a guide with recommendations and tips for preventing or tackling inappropriate behaviour at an early stage. Its purpose is to initiate a process for increasing social safety in Dutch academia.

Social Safety in Dutch Academia - From Paper to Practice

Like the rest of society, the world of academia was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. In its report The pandemic academic, published on 5 July, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences surveys the impact of the crisis on academia.  Which of the changes brought about by the pandemic do we wish to retain, and which not?  The report also looks in depth at how pandemic impacted trust in academic research and the relationship between academia, society and politics.

Like the rest of society, the world of academia was turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. In its report The pandemic academic, published on 5 July, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences surveys the impact of the crisis on academia.  Which of the changes brought about by the pandemic do we wish to retain, and which not?  The report also looks in depth at how pandemic impacted trust in academic research and the relationship between academia, society and politics.

The pandemic academic - How COVID-19 has impacted the research community

The Academy wants to promote equality, diversity and inclusion within the Academy, the Young Academy, the Academy of Arts, the institutes and the Bureau, based on the conviction that diversity in persons and perspectives enriches the scientific debate and contributes to creativity, innovation and quality. The Academy wants to embed diversity and inclusion in its thinking and actions across the board and offer a working environment where differences are embraced and people feel at home.

Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion Academy Institutes 2022-2025.

Agenda for Diversity and Inclusion Academy Institutes 2022-2025

Seasoned professionals in the social sciences and humanities offer ten lessons on how to make an impact with research. The booklet, published by the Social Sciences Council of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), argues for more appreciation for impact and offers practical tips on how to get started.

Seasoned professionals in the social sciences and humanities offer ten lessons on how to make an impact with research. The booklet, published by the Social Sciences Council of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), argues for more appreciation for impact and offers practical tips on how to get started.

Research with windows wide open

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit disadvantaged groups in society much harder than others, widening the health gap between socio-economic groups. In a new report and at an upcoming conference, leading scientists discuss how a better understanding of the disparities between groups can help reduce health inequity.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit disadvantaged groups in society much harder than others, widening the health gap between socio-economic groups. In a new report and at an upcoming conference, leading scientists discuss how a better understanding of the disparities between groups can help reduce health inequity.

Health Inequalities Research - New Methods, Better Insights? 

Dutch expertise in the field of drug development is too fragmented, with researchers’ efforts to get their discoveries to the patient being frustrated. National coordination is therefore needed to support researchers and promote cooperation. That will make drug development faster and more effective and give patients better access to new therapies.

Dutch expertise in the field of drug development is too fragmented, with researchers’ efforts to get their discoveries to the patient being frustrated.

Efficiency gains through innovation in medicines development: how can science contribute?

The Academy advises on a wide range of scientific subjects. The perspectives for these advisory report subjects are outlined in ‘Knowledge-based!’, the Academy's strategic agenda for 2021-2025.The Academy has established a number of advisory councils and advisory committees to assist it in its advisory task. They propose subjects and play a role in conducting peer reviews of advisory reports.

Publications

Every four years, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences ('the Academy') sets out its priorities in a Strategic Agenda. In that document, it focuses on its various tasks: those of an outstanding learned society and meeting place for researchers from all disciplines, those of an advisor to the Dutch government, and those of a research organisation made up of research institutes that are of national and international importance.

Knowledge-based! Strategic Agenda for 2021-2025

In de adviesraden en adviescommissies van de Akademie zitten wetenschappers van universiteiten, onderzoeksinstituten, maatschappelijke organisaties en bedrijfsleven. Het zijn leden en niet-leden van de KNAW. Op die manier is een grote en diverse groep deskundigen betrokken bij de voorbereiding van adviezen van de KNAW.

Raad voor Geesteswetenschappen (RGW)

De Raad voor Medische Wetenschappen (RMW) staat het bestuur van de KNAW terzijde bij de uitoefening van de adviestaak van de KNAW. Dit doet de raad door adviesonderwerpen aan te dragen over alle aspecten van wetenschapsbeoefening binnen de medische, medische biologische en gezondheidswetenschappen. Ook speelt de raad een rol bij de peerreview van KNAW-adviezen. Verder streeft de raad ernaar dat inzichten uit de medische wetenschappen worden benut bij de ontwikkeling van beleid. De raad zoekt hierbij aansluiting met andere adviesraden als de Raad voor Volksgezondheid en Samenleving en de Gezondheidsraad.

Raad voor Medische Wetenschappen (RMW)

De Raad voor Natuur- en Technische Wetenschappen (RNTW) streeft naar een wetenschapsbeleid en onderzoeksomgeving waarin excellent wetenschappelijk onderzoek in de natuur- en technische wetenschappen optimaal beoefend kan worden.  Verder streeft de raad ernaar dat inzichten uit de natuur- en technische wetenschappen worden benut bij de ontwikkeling van beleid. De RNTW signaleert relevante ontwikkelingen, knelpunten en kansen in zijn werkgebied en vertaalt die naar voorstellen voor de advies- en forumfunctie van de KNAW.

Raad voor Natuur- en Technische Wetenschappen (RNTW)

De Sociaal-Wetenschappelijke Raad (SWR) adviseert over en doet voorstellen voor bevordering van de sociale wetenschappen. De raad initieert en stimuleert waar nodig samenwerking tussen individuele onderzoekers en instellingen. Daarnaast treedt hij op als vertegenwoordiger van het sociaalwetenschappelijk onderzoek in Nederland en het buitenland.

Sociaal-Wetenschappelijke Raad (SWR)

De Commissie voor de Vrijheid van Wetenschapsbeoefening houdt zich bezig met de vrijheid die noodzakelijk is om wetenschap goed te kunnen uitoefenen. Ze komt in actie voor wetenschappers in het buitenland die vanwege hun werk ernstig worden beperkt in hun vrijheid, bijvoorbeeld door gevangenschap of nog erger.

Commissie voor de Vrijheid van Wetenschapsbeoefening (CVW)

De Akademie brengt advies uit op tal van onderwerpen die de wetenschap betreffen. De invalshoeken voor die adviesonderwerpen zijn op hoofdlijnen geschetst in <a href="publicaties/staan-op-kennis-strategische-agenda-2021-2025" title="Staan op kennis">Staan op kennis</a>, de strategische agenda van de KNAW voor 2021-2025. Bekijk ook <a href="https://storage.knaw.nl/2024-03/Adviesfunctie-KNAW-Werkprogramma-per-maart-2024.pdf">het werkprogramma</a>.Voor de uitvoering van haar adviestaak heeft de KNAW <a href="/adviesraden-en-commissies">adviesraden en adviescommissies</a> ingesteld. Zij dragen adviesonderwerpen aan en spelen een rol bij de peer review – toetsing door vakgenoten – van de adviezen.

Corné Pieterse

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