Assessment framework for collaboration with social partners

Radboud University wants to be meaningful to society, which is why we also cooperate with non-university partners. These include non-governmental organisations, governments and commercial companies. Because the University wishes to adhere to its own standards around academic freedom, research integrity and human rights at all times, this kind of collaboration requires a framework.

At the request of the Executive Board, the Partnerships Advisory Committee has therefore also drawn up an appropriate assessment framework for these partnerships. In doing so, the Committee based itself on the same principles and assumptions as in a previously discussed and adopted assessment framework.

Meetings

The Executive Board would like to know the University employees’ views on this. How can this framework help researchers and faculties arrive at the right judgments regarding future partnerships? And what procedure can they use to do so? Radboud Reflects was asked to uncover the answers to these questions by organising a series of meetings. Further communication on this will follow shortly via Radboud Reflects. Prior to adopting the assessment framework, the Executive Board will also discuss it with the participational bodies.

To explore what kind of experiences we as a university already have in working with parties in the security and resilience sector, such as the Ministry of Defence, intelligence agencies and NCTV, in December, a number of researchers met with some deans, vice deans and representatives of the Advisory Committee. This was driven by a growing demand for scientific research from this sector. The Executive Board thanks those present and the Advisory Committee for their input.

From the Assessment framework

Below are a number of key points from the Assessment framework for cooperation with social partners:

Even if the government is the commissioning party, it should not try to influence the results of scientific research or, for example, prevent publication of unwelcome results of the research.

(Assessment Framework for Collaboration with Social Partners, p. 4)

Academic freedom is not limitless or absolute. This freedom, like most freedoms and fundamental rights, is subject to all kinds of restrictions, legal or otherwise.

(Assessment Framework for Collaboration with Social Partners, p. 5)

In the context of partnerships, one may only consider curtailing academic freedom if entering into or maintaining a partnership will lead to a violation of legal obligations (including treaty obligations), a violation of the law in general, or a violation of generally acknowledged codes (of conduct or other).

(Assessment Framework for Collaboration with Social Partners, p. 6)