'Truth at a university has always been and is still the way in which we systematically substantiate how things work until proven otherwise, and it is therefore fundamentally uncertain.
Science goes beyond uncovering and monitoring facts; our goal is to develop knowledge that was not yet there, we search for truth, our job is truth seeking. So as a university, we can approach truth through the concept of ‘knowledge’ as an attitude or a way of working that promotes knowledge, and this is essential to our core values as Radboud University: we aspire to be curious, connected, and reflective.'
Nursery of knowledge
'We cannot take and own the truth, but we can grow and strengthen it, in our university nursery of knowledge, by caring for it together. Together means: by respecting the scientific rules of the game and trusting that all participants in the debate sincerely seek the truth and are honestly open to everyone's arguments. Our job as a university is to do this with care and integrity, and to train our students in that same attitude.
So how do we bring together truth keeping – knowledge of true facts, which can be inconvenient – and truth seeking, the true knowledge that we as scholars continuously strive for? What role does, and should, the university play when it comes to the inconvenient truth?'
Budget cuts
'It is essential that we are able to adequately justify why a research project or partnership fits in with our core values. That accountability helps us clarify our role and duty as a university: to provide truthful, grounded knowledge that can lead to policy choices in politics. That is the contribution society can expect from us, a contribution that justifies our position as a knowledge institution, and defines our credibility. This is precisely why the budget cuts announced by the new government are so frustrating: we know how important developing and transferring new knowledge is, as a value in itself, but also as a relevant contribution to the knowledge economy in which we live and on which we depend.
As Radboud University, together with the other universities in this country, we will actively work to persuade the Minister and cabinet to change their minds and to not endanger the interests of our academic staff and of science. And since it is important for students to develop broadly, it is also not a good idea to impose a long-term study penalty that will lead to fewer students taking on positions in governance and participational bodies. After all, we want our students to gain experience of participation in policy as early as possible.'