The Dutch Education Minister Eppo Bruins has voiced his concerns to parliament regarding questionnaires sent by the US Geological Survey to two researchers at Wageningen University. These questionnaires contained politically charged questions about their work.

The questions included inquiries about affiliations with communist, socialist, or totalitarian parties, or any party holding anti-American views. The researchers were also asked to confirm that their research project was not about climate or environmental rights, and whether it took “appropriate measures to protect and defend women” against gender ideology, and if it would “combat Christian persecution”.

The US Geological Survey is collaborating with the scientists on a project that uses satellites to monitor the condition of forests.

Leiden University has issued a warning to academics advising them not to complete the questionnaire. Caspar van den Berg, head of the Dutch universities association, described the questionnaire as symptomatic of a “worsening climate” for academic freedom in the United States. Van den Berg emphasized the importance of standing together for free science, as this situation is impacting Dutch universities and researchers.

Bruins has requested that UNL compile a list of researchers who have received similar inquiries. He has also tasked the economic affairs ministry with determining if companies involved in research have been sent comparable questionnaires.

Bruins stated that research funders have the right to verify the legality, efficiency, and effectiveness of their funding. However, he emphasized that such inquiries should not restrict academic freedom or compromise scientific integrity.

The minister also stated he expects universities to pursue legal action if any breach of contract occurs between a Dutch institution and an international funder.

Bruins added that, if international cooperation with Dutch institutions involves requirements that threaten academic freedom in the Netherlands, he would engage in dialogue with representatives of the country involved.

According to a UNL spokesman, they are not aware of any other cases besides the Wageningen researchers. Nevertheless, the changing US policy toward science and academia is having a noticeable impact, and some funding for joint projects has already been withdrawn.

In April, it was revealed that the US embassy in The Hague contacted its suppliers, requesting them to declare whether their diversity policies align with the so-called “anti-diversity decree” of US President Donald Trump.