Features

Education25 February 2021

Got a bad plan? The money will turn up anyway

LONGREAD - Administrators who think they have to jump through hoops, inspectors who fail to check the quality of education, and a fainthearted minister. These are the main players in the circus that is known as the quality agreements. "With a lot of plans, you can never say for sure whether education will improve as a result."

Campus17 February 2021

Is there a cancel culture in Dutch universities?

LONGREAD - Cancel culture is becoming a source of considerable debate within Dutch universities. Why has it become such a topical subject, including at VU Amsterdam?

Science21 January 2021

Work atmosphere a key factor in sloppy science

LONGREAD - In almost one-third of cases involving questionable research practices, the atmosphere in the relevant department is a key factor, according to research carried out by Tamarinde Haven for her PhD. “Young academics need role models.”

Campus11 January 2021

'How will I manage an extended lockdown?'

LONGREAD - Numerous VU employees have resumed their unofficial part-time job as home teacher. Anyone who has school-age children must accompany them with their schoolwork in addition to their own work. In this first episode PhD student Katalin Gaspar shares how she is keeping it up.

Education20 November 2020

We shouldn’t waste students’ years of brilliance

LONGREAD - Honours students in the Department of Informatics have been given the opportunity to lead a research project to earn credits. To date, more than ten students have taken the plunge.

Campus18 November 2020

Why so many researchers have left Psychology

LONGREAD - In Cognitive Psychology, a senior professor who intimidates his staff. And people in Social and Organizational Psychology who feel they have been misled and played off against each other. Our investigation reveals three research groups, together comprising one department, incapable of rectifying a tainted academic climate.

Politics02 November 2020

No matter the outcome, there will be chaos

LONGREAD - In preparation for the upcoming US Elections, over 90 Political Science students attended an online pre-election event to sharpen their ideas through expert opinions and discussion. What is at stake? Is the promised land going to implode or explode?

Participation29 October 2020

Majority of Humanities' student council is non-Dutch

LONGREAD - More and more international students are finding their way into the various participation bodies of VU Amsterdam. German history student Pia Potthoff is one of them, as the newly appointed vice president of the Faculty of Humanities’ Student Council.

Education27 October 2020

Canvas could be watching you

LONGREAD - Without the obligation to show up for face-to-face classes, has it become easier for students to fly under the radar and skive off? There are plenty of ways for teachers to monitor their students’ online activity. But to what extent is that desirable?

Campus08 October 2020

Is there anybody left on campus?

LONGREAD - Social distancing rules may have been tightened up again, but the main building of VU Amsterdam was far from empty last Friday. There were a lot people around, studying or having meetings, or on campus for a seminar.