# KNAW wants academic freedom written into the Dutch Constitution

> The national academy of sciences says current law does not protect academic freedom enough. It asks the education minister to change the Constitution and the higher education act.

Society · published 2026-10-14 15:51 · https://nlnow.nl/a/knaw-wants-academic-freedom-written-into-the-dutch-constitution/

The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) has advised Education, Culture and Science Minister Letschert (D66) to enshrine academic freedom in the Constitution. It presented two reports to the minister on Wednesday 14 October. The KNAW concludes that Dutch law does not adequately protect academic freedom, the freedom to do research and teach as one sees fit.

The KNAW also wants the Wet op het hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek, the higher education and research act, tightened. The 1992 law says only that academic freedom "is observed". A constitutional article would protect it against shifting political power balances, the KNAW says. It says a "hybrid" wording, both passive and active, could read: "Academic freedom is respected and promoted."

The first report says academic freedom in the Netherlands is under pressure. It names the way research is funded, government interference, intimidation of scientists and polarisation within universities and colleges as causes. The KNAW proposes that universities and colleges draw up a national code of conduct that spells out academic freedom in teaching and research practice.

The second report deals with the academic freedom and free speech of scientists and students. It calls on politicians to show restraint when commenting on current controversies at universities and colleges. Scientists must remain able to speak out on social issues from their expertise, it says.

## Background

- **KNAW (Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen)**: The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences is the national academy of the Netherlands, bringing together leading scholars across disciplines. It advises the government and parliament on science, research policy and its role in society. Its advice is independent and often used as a reference in debates about the research and higher education system.
- **Wet op het hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek**: The Higher Education and Research Act is the main Dutch law that sets the legal framework for universities, universities of applied sciences and research in the Netherlands. It covers the tasks of institutions, their governance, the quality of education and the rules for research. It is the legal basis for many higher education rules, including the principle that academic freedom must be respected.

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