Collaboration and academic freedom

Collaboration is essential to scientific progress. AMOLF therefore supports cooperation with researchers and organizations worldwide. We are committed to collaborating in a manner consistent with academic freedom, ethical responsibility, respect for human rights, and academic integrity.

AMOLF clearly distinguishes between collaboration with individual researchers and institutional partnerships:

Institutional collaborations represent an organizational choice and are therefore subject to careful consideration. In assessing potential institutional collaborations, including those involving countries that are subject to public or political criticism, AMOLF evaluates each case based on scientific quality and reputation, as well as compliance with applicable laws, regulations, human rights, and ethical standards.

AMOLF firmly upholds the principle of academic freedom. AMOLF expects its scientists who engage in individual collaborations and other professional activities to uphold the principles of academic freedom, ethical responsibility, respect for human rights and academic integrity. If our scientists or management become aware that a collaboration may be of concern, for example because it is associated with a company or organisation of concern or takes place in a country of concern, the management will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis, balancing the importance of collaboration and academic freedom against considerations of ethical responsibility, respect for human rights, and applicable laws and external regulations.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our program office.