Faculty of Science dialogues concerning the war in Gaza

In the coming weeks, we will organise dialogues to talk about this, among other things. Stay tuned to find out what is being organised and where you can join in on the conversations.

Activities in the context of the war in Gaza

There have been regular talks in existing consultative bodies in recent weeks to update institutes and departments on the situation. We also encourage the faculty to give room for discussion within their own groups (institutes, teams). This also involves the Works Council and Student Council (FSR), among others.

Campus Dialogues

On 6 June, there will be a Campus Dialogues at Science Park with the theme: Common ground - what connects us?

The starting point is the search for what unites us. The focus can be on the preconditions needed to move beyond the current impasse, with restoring trust as a starting point. We reflect on the concerns and needs of the entire community - bystanders and protesters, students and staff. This session aims to lay a foundation for further dialogue.

• Read on and register

G1000 dialoog

Following the most recent demonstrations at the Science Park, there has been intensive contact between the Executive Team (DT) of the Faculty of Science and representatives of the demonstrating students. This also involved the Student Council (FSR) and Works Council have also been involved. Together, it was indicated to explore whether and how we could organise a broad meeting at Science Park about what the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza means for the faculty and its relations. To this end, we enlisted the help of G1000, an organisation specialised in power-free dialogue. Under the guidance of G1000External link, discussions are taking place on how this could be organised, and more is expected to be known about the follow-up in early June.

More activities?

Are you organising activities that fit into this list? Then send the information to online-science@uva.nlExternal link o.g. organiser, target group, date, time, location, theme/topic.

Collaboration with third parties

The initiative of the Executive Board and deans to supplement the policy framework for collaboration with third parties in the short term is taking further shape in June through roundtable discussions at each faculty. A broad academic working group is coordinating the process, which includes considering when a draft recommendation can be submitted to the entire academic community.

In the week of 10 June, a round table meeting is planned to discuss this further in the faculty, to which Works Council and Student Council representatives will also be invited.

One-on-One conversations

Did you know that the UvA has several options you can turn to as a student if you want to talk to someone about the situation and what it is doing to you? You can make low-threshold appointments with a:

• Study advisor: you can discuss what the situation is doing to you and your study progress
• Confidential advisor: if you do not feel or have not felt safe, you can talk to a confidential advisor
• Student psychologist: you can make an appointment for a 15-minute introductory interview, where you can discuss what you need. This is followed by five sessions. These sessions are free of charge and there is little waiting time to get started

Deans message

14 May 2024

"The indescribable suffering caused by the war between Israel and Hamas cannot leave anyone unmoved. In this message, I want to share with you my own assessment of recent times, the associated dilemmas and how we can hopefully come closer together again."

• Read on