Radboud University’s sustainability ambition requires a critical assessment of the external partnerships the university enters into. Through its teaching and research, Radboud University aims to contribute to a healthy, free world, with equal opportunities for all. External partnerships must be aligned with this mission.
In recent years, several open dialogue sessions on partnerships have taken place at our university, focusing on the balance between academic freedom, scientific independence and social responsibility. Specifically, this also involved the question of what our sustainability ambition means for the external partnerships we enter into, for example with the fossil fuel industry. Together, we are seeking a sound and widely supported answer to that question.
In May 2024, the Executive Board therefore established a working group on sustainable partnerships, tasking it with advising on a policy that staff can consult when they wish to set up partnerships with external organisations. This group, composed of members representing relevant areas of expertise and perspectives within our organisation, submitted its advice in January 2026. In addition, the Executive Board asked the Advisory Committee on Partnerships to provide advice on the working group’s recommendations. The final advice was received last June.
See below for further information and the Executive Board’s response (documents in Dutch).