Universities of the Netherlands (UNL)
Promoting collaboration
Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) is the umbrella organization that represents the interests of all 14 public Dutch universities. We represent these institutions at both national and international levels, promotes collaboration, disseminates information about the university sector, and acts as an employers' organization.
Excellence in research, education and innovation
The core goal of UNL is to represent Dutch universities. The core mission of UNL is to represent Dutch universities. These institutions aim for excellence in research, education, and innovation. We consider it important that these objectives are achieved in a socially responsible manner. Therefore, we are part of the TPI partner program.
Reducing animal testing in research and education
Within TPI, UNL represents the 14 largest Dutch universities. On behalf of these universities, we aim to raise awareness of the dilemmas surrounding animal testing in education. We also strive to reduce the use of animal testing in education, without compromising the quality of education that the Netherlands needs to train the talents of tomorrow.
As an umbrella organization, we focus on sharing knowledge about animal-free innovation and on promoting inter-university collaboration to achieve this goal.
- Co-publishing an Ambition statement on innovation in higher education using fewer laboratory animals.
- Disseminating knowledge on animal-free innovation.
- Assisting inter-university collaboration to increase transparency around animal testing and increase animal-free innovation.
- Promoting and managing Open Science to make the results of animal testing and animal-free research accessible, and to prevent research waste.
- Highlighting the ethical dilemmas surrounding animal testing during sector-wide consultations.