Independence WUR

Independence at Wageningen University & Research

The independence of scientific research is an important principle for universities. Now that universities work more often with government agencies, NGOs and businesses than in the past, it is even more important to guarantee this independence. Wageningen University & Research has a number of regulations and procedures to guarantee the independence of scientific research.

This code of conduct has been drawn up by the The Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU). Section 5 of this code addresses the independence of scientific research. The code applies to all research done by Dutch universities. In Wageningen the code applies to research done by both the university and the Wageningen Research institutes.

Section 3.1 of our general terms and conditions contains agreements pertaining to the independence of research (section 3.1).

All ancillary activities and positions held by our professors are made transparent by publishing them on our internet page We@Wur. The list of professors also includes the financer of the chair.

Anyone with a complaint about the independence exercised by researchers at Wageningen University & Research can contact the Scientific Integrity Committee.

The Scientific Integrity Committee consists of:

  • Prof. Barend van der Meulen: chair Scientific Integrity Committee Wageningen University & Research, professor Professor Institutional Aspects of (Higher) Education at the University of Twente
  • Prof. Johan Bouma: emeritus professor of Soil Science at Wageningen University & Research
  • Prof. Cor van der Weele: Endowed professor Humanistic Philosophy at Wageningen University & Research
  • Prof. Tiny van Boekel: Emeritus professor of Product Design and Quality Management at Wageningen University & Research

Complaints will be assessed on the basis of the Scientific integrity complaints procedure.

In addition to the regulations and procedures that apply to research done by Wageningen University and Research, in the framework of the independence of their scientific research, universities must also account for the nature and extent of their financial sources. The structure of our income sources is shown below.

Financial figures 2021 (turnover)

Financiële cijfers 2021

Financial figures 2021 (funding)

Financiële cijfers 2021

Source: Corporate brochure 2021