Photo: Duncan de Fey PVV and NSC were victorious during the elections. Both these parties aim to attenuate the climate policies and restrict English-spoken education. What is WUR’s response?
The landslide victories of PVV and NSC also prompt universities to fear new policies, and major focus themes that WUR is working on (nitrogen) may be delayed. Geert Wilders wants to do away with climate policy altogether, and Pieter Omtzigt wants to reduce the use of English in education.
WUR-president Sjoukje Heimovaara, who indicated that the Netherlands needs brave leaders with vision shortly before the elections, expects that the results of the elections came as a surprise to everyone ‘regardless of what party you cast your ballot for’. She states that it is unbefitting an independent knowledge institute to pass judgement on the outcome of the elections. ‘Our job is to generate knowledge, educate and disseminate our knowledge.’
‘What remains’, she continues, ‘is that WUR believes in finding answers together. The world faces major transitions, such as climate change and sustainable food production. Collaboration within an international context is essential, as is the diversity of our colleagues and students. We are ready to deploy our scientific insights to address societal issues and needs.’
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