UvA: no research with Shell

UvA: no research with Shell

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) does not want to start new collaborations with fossil fuel companies for the time being. The decision follows actions by climate activists.

The UvA board has declared a moratorium on research with Shell. There will be no new research projects with Shell or similar companies for the time being, it said in a statement on 8 February. The board wants to hold talks with students and staff first. “The question is how and with whom to collaborate,” it said.

Currently, the university does get involved in “four projects where Shell is also one of the parties”. These would be research projects “aimed at clean energy, better analytical methods, or a better environment”. Those four studies will continue. TU Delft has had a policy for several years that it does not do new fossil projects with the fossil industry. With the moratorium, the UvA seems to be going a step further.

At several universities, including Leiden University, TU Eindhoven and Erasmus University in Rotterdam, activists have recently opposed researchers’ collaboration with the fossil industry. /article/climate-verdict-i-hope-shell-will-now-take-more-action

In Delft, students can sign a petition from End Fossil Leiden/Delft. The group is also in talks with the executive board (cvb). During an initial conversation, the cvb said the fossil industry is needed for the energy transition. The TU has had a policy for several years that it does not do new fossil projects with the fossil industry. With the moratorium, the UvA seems to be going a step further.