Voices of Young Academics

Loss of academic freedom: Are we halfway there?

Recent developments surrounding the proposed discontinuation of the International Bachelor in Psychology (IBP) at several Dutch universities — including Leiden — raise serious concerns about the state of academic freedom in the Netherlands. This is not just about one programme or one decision.

Young Academy Leiden + 2 others • 12-08-2025

Igniting Creativity Through Interdisciplinarity

Science thrives not just on critical thinking but also on creativity—yet academia increasingly neglects the latter. Here is a summary of our YAL workshop with Marten Scheffer on the forgotten half of scientific thinking.

Michiel Veldhuis • 28-05-2025

Funding the Humanities is crucial for Science and Society

The humanities at Leiden University are in danger. The Faculty is facing severe budget cuts, with the additional negative effects of measures by the current government still uncertain.

Caspar Jacobs + 4 others • 24-02-2025

Stronger Together: A Different Academia is Possible

On November 25, the Malieveld in the Hague buzzed with the energy of thousands protesting against the disastrous budget cuts to higher education.

Cristiana Strava + 1 other • 23-12-2024

Everyone Professor also means Not Everyone Professor

In March 2023, during the induction of new members into De Jonge Akademie (DJA), Marie-José van Tol, the former chair of DJA, declared the upcoming year as the Iedereen Professor jaar (Everyone Professor year).

Noel de Miranda • 15-04-2024

Inclusion at Leiden University

Stefan de Jong, a video services application manager at Leiden University, discusses his experiences with autism, including academic challenges and workplace struggles, stressing the significance of inclusive practices.

• 04-03-2024

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