Verwey-Jonker research institute in Utrecht gets an administrator
The independent social research institute, which employs 55 permanent staff, blames budget cuts and clients' use of AI, and says it will keep working as far as possible.
Verwey-Jonker Instituut, an independent research institute in Utrecht that advises on social issues, has an administrator (bewindvoerder) after financial problems. Seerp Gratama must now assess the options for the future together with the directors. The institute says its activities will be continued as far as possible.
The institute has 55 permanent staff, not counting interns. It says its problems stem mainly from cuts to research budgets and pressure on rates from government clients. Clients' use of artificial intelligence also plays a part, it says, so the institute is missing out on new assignments.
In recent years the institute moved to a cheaper location, made structural cost reductions and shrank its board. According to the institute, this was not enough to create the financial stability and continuity it needs.
Spokesperson Melanie Kouters says the priority is finishing ongoing studies. "Some of them end at the end of this year, so they will be completed. A solution is still being sought for multi-year studies," she said. "That also applies to partnerships, such as the knowledge platform Inclusief Samenleven."
The institute is named after the sociologist Hilda Verwey-Jonker (1908-2004), known in politics for her work for refugees and migrants.
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