Grant application of philosophical universities approved

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has approved a grant application from the philosophical universities to strengthen inclusion and social safety in higher education and science. The grant application focuses on the position of PhD students.

The subsidy granted by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is intended for a project to structurally strengthen inclusion and social safety through multiple activities in 2026 and 2027. This is a joint project of the four philosophical universities: Protestant Theological University (PThU), Theological University Apeldoorn (TUA), Theological University Utrecht (TUU) and the University of Humanistic Studies (UvH).

Cause and necessity

Evaluations and general research show that doctoral students can be in a vulnerable position; because they depend on their supervisors for assessment and progress, they may avoid reporting social insecurity, for example. Recent studies at religious universities show that, despite the culture often being perceived as positive, social safety is not a given at these universities either and requires specific attention. Precisely because standards, values and critical moral thinking are part of the DNA of these institutions, it is necessary to strengthen social safety in a structural and visible manner.

About the project

The activities are aimed at creating a socially safe doctoral environment by professionalising supervisors, strengthening the position and awareness of doctoral candidates, and facilitating open dialogue through peer review and peer consultation. In addition, an accessible support and reporting structure will be set up, with clear procedures and appropriate follow-up. Social safety will be structurally embedded in the policy, training and quality assurance of the (initial) graduate schools. In this way, the universities will align themselves with the national integrated approach and work specifically on prevention, cultural change and sustainable assurance.

The University of Humanistic Studies is the lead partner in this project. Staff from the Graduate School, the PhD Council, the Professor of Governance & Integrity, the Disability Studies department and confidential advisors are participating in this project under the leadership of the HR department.

Do you have any questions?

Please contact HR via hr@uvh.nl.