Position Papers

Here, we present our position papers on various topics concerning Assistant Professors in the Netherlands. These papers are based on surveys filled in by our members as well as on round table discussions we had.

APnet urges the government to reconsider these proposed budget cuts to prevent lasting damage to the higher education sector. We urge the government to maintain its investment in research and education, to support our assistant professors, to maintain our high quality of research and teaching, and to ensure that the Netherlands remains a leader in global academia.
Find the entire paper here and a speech on the cuts (in Dutch) here.

On July 14th, 2023, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in the Netherlands introduced the Balanced Internationalisation Act (Wet internationalisering in Balans, WIB). This new policy aims to control the supposed significant increase of incoming international students in higher education by imposing stricter regulations on non-Dutch language educational programs.
This proposal affects not only prospective students but also assistant professors who have devoted their time and effort to cultivating the next generation of scholars and professionals. In response, APNet has conducted an online survey and a roundtable discussion to understand how the language policy would affect Assistant Professors and by extension Dutch academia.
Paper in preparation, find a speech on the law here.

The position paper on ‘Ius Promovendi’ addresses the current restrictions in the Netherlands on the right to promote PhD candidates, limited mainly to Full Professors and, in some cases, Associate Professors. The paper presents findings from a survey of Assistant Professors, revealing adverse effects on their careers, including international disadvantage, power imbalances, and underappreciation. It argues that the existing system fails to recognize the workload of Assistant Professors and proposes reforms to enhance their role, expertise acknowledgment, and mental well-being. The paper suggests a team-based approach to supervision, redefining the roles of Promotor and Co-Promotor, and advocating for transparency and uniformity in national guidelines for ‘Ius Promovendi.’ Overall, the recommendations aim to address challenges, ensure quality, and align with international standards for promoting PhD candidates.
Find the entire paper here.