Radboud University collaborates extensively with partners around the world in the fields of research and education. Academic freedom to enter into partnerships is essential, but not unlimited. If a partnership conflicts with the principles of the assessment framework, this may be grounds for terminating that partnership. The Partnerships Advisory Committee was established to provide advice on this matter.
On 3 October 2024, the Executive Board of Radboud University established the Advisory Committee on Partnerships. This committee is tasked with assessing the university's partnerships, with a special focus on international partner institutions in conflict areas. The committee evaluates whether any of the university's partnerships should be terminated.
Assessment framework
The committee has developed an assessment framework (pdf) for evaluating partnerships. The assessment focuses on two points:
- Does Radboud University's collaboration with this partner contribute to serious and systematic human rights violations?
- Does the partnership compromise the integrity of Radboud University's education and research?
In weighing these two points, the committee makes maximum use of external and authoritative sources that enjoy broad consensus and applicable policy, such as the Dutch and European codes of conduct for scientific integrity. The advisory committee may seek expertise from within and outside the university if it deems this necessary.
Advice issued to the Executive Board
- Recommendation concerning the Collaboration with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (November 2025)
- Advice on the Association Agreement (September 2025)
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem International (March 2025)
- Tel Aviv University (March 2025)
Individual collaborations
The advice formulated by the committee, based on the assessment framework (pdf), does not pertain to individual collaborations between academics. That assessment is up to the employees themselves, who can use the assessment framework as a support. More information about individual collaborations.
The advisory committee understands that staff members may need advice and guidance when considering individual collaborations. To meet this need, the advisory committee intends to offer a two-part programme through Radboud Reflects. More information about this programme.
Support for Radboudumc employees will be facilitated in a similar manner, but from within Radboudumc. More information on this will follow shortly.
Advisory committee members
Chair
- Lutgarde Buydens (former dean of the Faculty of Science and former professor of Analytical Chemistry)
Committee members
- Paul Bovend’Eert (former professor of Constitutional Law and former dean of the Faculty of Law)
- Jos Kole (university lecturer in professional ethics IQ Health, Radboudumc)
- Cees Leijenhorst (director of education at the Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies and senior university lecturer in philosophy).
