On 11 June, Rector Magnificus Jeroen Geurts and Dean Aletta Kraneveld of the Beta Faculty of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) and representatives of various organisations from the earth sciences sector, led by Denise Maljers (chair of the KNGMG, the professional association for earth scientists), held a constructive round table discussion. The discussion focused on the possibilities for earth sciences, given the social relevance. It is a final effort by the sector and the VU to explore realistic options before a final decision is made regarding the pending reorganisation.
This first discussion provides sufficient grounds to explore how we can retain (parts) of the current education, research and infrastructure. We will jointly explore these possibilities in the coming weeks.
All parties hope for a positive outcome. That is why the follow-up discussions will take place in the short term, so that it will become clear before the summer what the realistic possibilities are. Until then, the VU will also continue to work on the preparatory steps prior to the final decision for the already proposed reorganisation, to enable the VU to provide clarity to students and employees before the summer.
