Dialogue Dutch academic community and fossil energy sector 

On December 4th rectores magnifici, executive board members and scientific experts of the Dutch universities, together with KNAW, NWO and UNL, delved into each university’s different position, the consequences of critically examining or discontinuing research collaborations with the fossil energy sector, and how the academic community can work together to accelerate the energy transition.  

This was the first session of a series of constructive dialogues which VU Amsterdam will organise in collaboration with De Balie Amsterdam. The dialogue series is a result of the decision that VU Amsterdam made earlier this year, regarding new research collaborations with fossil energy companies. This first dialogue was divided in three ‘rounds’ in which the participants explored and challenged each other’s positions and how they could work together on this matter. There was a strong sense of commitment among the participants to actively learn from each other. 

Many universities are currently working on a policy or are developing guidelines on whether they want to work together with the fossil energy sector and under which conditions. The various insights, dilemmas, possible solutions were shared with each other. In alignment with VU Amsterdam’s statement, the majority of the participants agreed that we need to actively search for the role of science in relation to reaching the Paris Climate Agreement Goals and what impact we can make as an academic community. All attendees expressed a desire to participate in the following dialogue sessions that are being organised in 2024.  

The next dialogue is scheduled on Tuesday 12 March, and will involve representatives from societal partners, the fossil energy sector and of course the academic community.