"Some organizations and states appear to be stealing confidential knowledge from our universities, and in some cases knowledge developed at our universities could also be used for non-peaceful purposes. To prevent this, regulations are being drafted, and a growing call for awareness Restricting collaboration with scientists from certain organizations and countries is a restriction of academic freedom, which is controversial because some scientists believe that this constitutes discrimination and that maintaining scientific collaboration with these countries can be a basis for peace. "*
Verbeek thinks it is no coincidence that these three discussions are taking place at the same time. In his lecture, he explains the connections he sees, and examines how administrators and practicing scientists could protect and promote academic freedom in a responsible manner.
Read the entire speech on the KNAW website.
*See: Verbeek (2023), Academische vrijheid als opgave. Over wetenschappelijke verantwoordelijkheid en de moed om te twijfelen, KNAW, 30 mei 2023