UG and UNL respond to €700 million investments from Coalition Agreement

In the policy letter for higher education of Friday 17 June, Minister Dijkgraaf outlined how investments in higher education and research as agreed in the Coalition Agreement will take shape.

Each year, €300 million will go towards researchers’ personal research budgets, the so-called starting and stimulation grants. The Cabinet will also invest €200 million per year in all university disciplines, which will have to submit sector plans to this end. In addition, over €200 million per year will go towards other aspects, such as large-scale research infrastructure, student wellbeing, and matching for European research funds.

President of the Board of the University Jouke de Vries: ‘At the UG, we are happy with these much-needed investments for a ‘Normal Academic Standard’. They will help us to reduce the work pressure faced by our academics and other staff. The personal grants will hopefully create a better sense of calm and space for research. The investments in all university disciplines will also help us to offer more talent permanent positions within the UG. In addition, the further investments in student wellbeing and other matters are highly important, so that we can offer a healthy study environment to students.’

Curious for more information about the investment allocations and the response of the Universities of the Netherlands (UNL)? Then read this news item on the UNL website.