Universities Reject Hundreds of Foreign Researchers
Dutch Universities Increase Scrutiny of International Collaborations
Table of Contents
- Dutch Universities Increase Scrutiny of International Collaborations
- Dutch Universities Increase Scrutiny of International Collaborations: A Q&A
- Why are Dutch universities increasing scrutiny of international collaborations?
- What specific threats are Dutch universities trying to address?
- What measures are being taken to enhance security?
- how does the screening process work?
- What are the potential outcomes of a risk assessment?
- Are there concerns about these new security measures?
- What is the Dutch government’s position?
- How does this impact international collaboration?
- Key Statistics and Information Summary
Universities in the Netherlands are intensifying efforts to safeguard against potential risks associated with international collaborations and foreign influence.
Dutch knowlege institutions,including universities and scientific institutions,are taking measures to prevent foreign powers,such as China,Russia,and Iran,from exerting undue influence on education and research.These measures also aim to protect students from those countries from potential pressure and to ensure human rights are upheld in international collaborations.
Since 2022,the academic community has been working to enhance security.That year, the National Coordinator of Terrorism and Security (NCTV) issued a warning specifically concerning China.
The NCTV indicated that China might target Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and scientists with digital and other campaigns aimed at acquiring advanced technology.
‘Open Where Possible’
At Delft University of Technology, the largest technical university in the Netherlands, advisors now handle approximately 700 cases annually. This is partly because Delft is involved in developing key technologies, including rocket research, which could be of interest to other nations.
Typically, risk analyses yield positive results, aligning with the Dutch policy of being open where possible, closed where necessary.
This approach is based on the principle that science should involve global knowledge sharing and that Dutch universities should attract top talent from both domestic and international sources.
Deleting Sensitive Details
Though, negative advice is given in about 15% of cases at Delft and 30% at Eindhoven University of Technology, possibly due to differences in the types of cases presented.
A negative recommendation might arise if a researcher’s CV reveals connections to the Seven Sons of National Defense,
a group of universities linked to the Chinese Peopel’s Liberation Army.
In some instances, advice may be conditionally positive, such as recommending that Dutch scientists remove sensitive data from their laptops before traveling to high-risk countries.
Screening of Scientists
Universities can consult a National Knowledge Safety Desk, established in 2022, if thay require additional guidance. This desk has been consulted over 500 times since it’s inception.
University advisory teams assess risks based on the information provided by foreign candidates and whether their field of study is considered sensitive, such as those subject to international sanctions or related to technologies with potential military or human rights implications.
Currently, universities lack the authority to fully screen foreign researchers or master’s students. However, plans are underway for Justis, the organization responsible for issuing Certificates of Good Conduct, to handle this task.
The Ministry of Education intends to release a bill that woudl make these screenings binding, preventing individuals who do not recieve clearance from being hired.
Alertness
Concerns exist that the screening law could deter desirable candidates from choosing to work in the Netherlands due to lengthy administrative procedures.
There are discussions about whether the screening process should focus on specific countries, such as China. some argue that such targeting could be discriminatory and could lead to a large number of foreign researchers and students facing screening.
The Minister of Education has assured that an implementation test
will be conducted to assess the practical implications of the screening process. The minister also commended the existing alertness
of universities in addressing these issues.
Dutch Universities Increase Scrutiny of International Collaborations: A Q&A
Why are Dutch universities increasing scrutiny of international collaborations?
Dutch universities are intensifying efforts to safeguard against potential risks associated with international collaborations and foreign influence. This is primarily driven by concerns that foreign powers, such as China, Russia, and Iran, might exert undue influence on education and research. These measures also aim to protect students from those countries from potential pressure and to ensure human rights are upheld in international collaborations.
What specific threats are Dutch universities trying to address?
The primary threat identified is the potential for foreign entities to acquire advanced technology through digital and other campaigns targeting Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and scientists. The National Coordinator of Terrorism and Security (NCTV) issued a warning specifically concerning China in 2022, highlighting this risk.
What measures are being taken to enhance security?
Dutch knowledge institutions are implementing several measures:
Risk Assessments: Universities conduct risk analyses of international collaborations and foreign researchers.
National Knowledge Safety Desk: Established in 2022, this desk provides guidance to universities on assessing risks. It has been consulted over 500 times sence its inception.
Screening of Researchers: Currently, universities lack the authority to fully screen foreign researchers or master’s students. plans are underway for Justis, the organization responsible for issuing Certificates of Good Conduct, to handle this task. The Ministry of Education intends to release a bill that would make these screenings binding, preventing individuals who do not receive clearance from being hired.
Advisory Teams: University advisory teams assess risks based on foreign candidates’ details and the sensitivity of their field of study.
* Policy of “Open Where Possible”: The Dutch policy is to encourage global knowledge sharing while protecting national interests.
how does the screening process work?
university advisory teams assess risks based on the information provided by foreign candidates. They consider whether the candidate’s field of study is considered sensitive, especially those subject to international sanctions or related to technologies with potential military or human rights implications.
What are the potential outcomes of a risk assessment?
Risk analyses typically yield positive results, aligning with the Dutch policy of being ”open where possible, closed where necessary”. Though, negative advice is given in about 15% of cases at Delft University of Technology and 30% at Eindhoven University of technology.
A negative recommendation might arise, for example, if a researcher’s CV reveals connections to the “seven Sons of National Defense,” a group of universities linked to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. In some instances,advice might potentially be conditionally positive,such as recommending that Dutch scientists remove sensitive data from their laptops before traveling to high-risk countries.
Are there concerns about these new security measures?
Yes, there are concerns that the screening law could deter desirable candidates from choosing to work in the Netherlands due to perhaps lengthy administrative procedures. There are also discussions about whether the screening process should focus on specific countries, such as China. Some argue that such targeting could be discriminatory and could lead to a large number of foreign researchers and students facing screening.
What is the Dutch government’s position?
The Minister of Education has assured that an “implementation test” will be conducted to assess the practical implications of the screening process. The minister also commended the existing “alertness” of universities in addressing these issues.
How does this impact international collaboration?
The dutch approach aims to balance the benefits of global knowledge sharing with the need to protect national interests. Universities are encouraged to be “open where possible” but take necessary precautions.
Key Statistics and Information Summary
| Aspect | Details |
| ————————— | ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Trigger for Measures | Concerns about foreign influence and technology acquisition, especially from China, Russia, and Iran. |
| Key Date | 2022: NCTV warning about China; National Knowledge Safety Desk established. |
| Risk Assessment Outcomes | Typically positive; negative advice in 15% of Delft cases and 30% of Eindhoven cases. |
| Screening Authority | Currently lacking but planned through justis and a new bill. |
| National Knowledge Safety Desk Consultations | Over 500 consultations since inception |
| Policy Approach | “Open where possible, closed where necessary” to balance global knowledge sharing with national security. |