A month or so ago, during Prince's Day (Budget Day), it became clear that Dutch universities would soon be facing significant cuts as a result of new government policies. Since then, a number of steps have been taken within Radboud University to anticipate and handle this additional wave of sobriety. The budget cuts require Radboud University to realise 36 million euros in savings by 2029. This comes on top of the previously announced 18 million euro cuts due to higher wage costs, inflation, and falling student numbers.
In realising these savings, we want to be extremely careful, thorough and transparent, with attention for all involved. This is a task for us all, and at all times, we need to keep in mind our people and our core tasks as a university. An analysis is currently being carried out to see where we can save money within operations at the faculties and Radboud Services. Our goal is to realise a substantial portion of the savings by working even more efficiently together on the operational side. This process requires thoroughness and care, which means it also takes time. We expect to have more detailed information to share about how exactly we plan to realise the savings by the first quarter of 2025.
We will also carefully consider the design and support of our teaching and research. For example, study programmes within and across faculties will look at how to organise teaching more efficiently by increasing collaboration while maintaining quality and the connection to research.
Collaboration
We are aware that a number of measures have already been implemented in recent months. The Executive Board is working together with the deans and directors to further flesh out our sobriety assignment in the coming period. Meanwhile, in collaboration with other universities, we remain engaged in a vigorous effort to change the mind of the Minister of Education, Culture and Science.
National demonstration
Employees wishing to attend the national demonstration on Thursday 14 November in Utrecht will be given the opportunity to do so, in consultation with their supervisor. We believe it is important that we as a university speak out against the proposed measures. More information on this will follow shortly.