Young Academy Leiden
Newsletter - February 2026 |
After a short winter break, we’re back with updates: a new blog post, news on the Green Manifesto signed by Leiden, and a reminder to take part in the Recognition & Rewards Barometer. Enjoy!
|
📢 New blog: Universities are awesome
Recently, there has been quite a bit of attention on academia’s woes, such as budget cuts, attacks on academic freedom, and cases of abuse of power. This may make it seem as if academia is a terrible place to work, especially for those at the start of their careers. However, universities can also be an amazing place to work and have a lot to offer students, academics, and society as a whole, argues Jochanan Verbeek in his new blog. Read it here for your daily dose of optimism!
|
Leiden University signs Green Manifest 🍃💚
Leiden University has signed the ‘Think green, act green’ manifesto. The manifesto is the initiative of The Young Academy and The Green Young Academy, who are calling on universities to embed sustainability in their research, teaching, governance and operations. The manifesto’s ambitions broadly align with Leiden's sustainability ambitions, though, they say, the interpretations of some points differ in places. By signing the manifesto, Leiden University is confirming its commitment to sustainability and its willingness to work more closely with other knowledge institutions based on shared objectives. |
Budget Cuts off the table?!
In recent months, staff and students at Leiden University have voiced their opposition to budget cuts through demonstrations, blogs, and public debate, urging the government to prioritize education and research. It seems these concerns may have been heard: the new government plans to scrap the language test requirement (taaltoets) and focus on attracting and retaining international talent in shortage sectors. But, at the same time, continued investment in the humanities and social sciences, the protection of academic freedom, and strengthening digital autonomy remain essential. We’ll be closely following further developments!
 
|
| Things that might interest you: |
Recognition & Rewards Culture Barometer
The Recognition & Rewards Culture Barometer is currently open and aims to gather insights into how academic staff experience the Recognition & Rewards programme. Participation is crucial for building a representative and accurate picture of how institutions recognise and reward academic work. We strongly encourage colleagues to share their experiences by 8 February, if you have not done so already! |
“Ik wilde niet. Maar toen Mare me vroeg, kon ik onmogelijk nee zeggen”
From miraculous excuses to vague university policies, this column (in Dutch) by Lieke Smits argues that claiming inevitability is often a convenient excuse and calls for more transparency and accountability in decision-making, particularly in academic and institutional contexts, by clearly stating what we actually want rather than hiding behind supposed necessity.
|
Anne Urai wins Rising Stars of Neuroscience Award 2025
We'd like to congratulate Anne Urai, who is one of 25 recipients of the Rising Stars of Neuroscience Award 2025, recognised for her scientific contributions and commitment to sustainability in academia.
  |
Leiden University Global Seed Fund for Sara de Wit and Miriam Waltz
Congratulations to Sara de Wit and Miriam Waltz, who have just won a Leiden University Global Seed Fund. Their proposed project entails 'Climate Talks' to foster equitable exchange between indigenous knowledge systems and climatescience. |
|
|
|
.png "Visit our website"){kind=small}