International committee praises research at PThU

University board pleased with the evaluation

'The highly positive evaluation of our research confirms that we are on the right path and helps us define our direction for the coming years,' said Rector Klaas Spronk and Chairman of the Board, Kees Boele. 'We do this with the same enthusiasm that the review committee saw in us: the PThU as a dynamic organisation. In that spirit, we are not only grateful for the compliments but also take the constructive suggestions seriously.'

Clear direction and strong collaboration

During the previous evaluation in 2018, there were concerns about a lack of coherence in the research. However, the committee now noted a clear direction and strong collaboration between the different disciplines involved in the four major research projects. These projects include: the role of churches in slavery, the future of the church, the Soil project, and the Moral Compass project. 'The committee did emphasise the importance of maintaining focus even after the completion of these separate projects,' said the University Board. 'An important area to consider, according to the committee, is reflecting on the Protestant identity in a secular society, especially when developing new projects and attracting international, including European, partners.'

Growth and potential

While the previous evaluation raised doubts about the viability of the PThU, the current committee saw significant potential. This was largely due to the "courageous decision" to consolidate operations in a single location. The report stressed that the relocations PThU has undergone over the years should not be seen as a sign of poor management, but rather as part of a growth process where the various programs, linked to different denominations and universities, have gradually formed a unified entity. The recognised academic quality of the research, along with its demonstrable relevance to both church and society, affirms this. The University Board also acknowledges the importance of collaboration with other theological institutions in Utrecht, particularly with the opportunities for partnership with Utrecht University highlighted by the committee.

Exemplary PhD supervision

The committee praised the exemplary approach to PhD supervision at our graduate school. We also took to heart the advice to involve PhD candidates in teaching, to focus on career counseling, and to ensure their representation on committees and the University Council. We recognize the committee's call for policies and procedures that promote social safety, diversity, and inclusion. Additionally, we are encouraged to further internationalise our research efforts.

Feedback and Recommendations

Key feedback and recommendations we will be addressing include:

• In the area of open science, we will establish a task force to develop an open science policy. This policy will include training in line with national and international standards, also for our Initial Graduate School. Stakeholders will be involved early in the process, and we hope to leverage Utrecht University's expertise.
• Regarding governance structure, we will work on increasing transparency, ensuring that department leaders take on clear responsibilities. We will also rename consultation structures like the Chair Group Leaders’ Meeting (LGVO) to clarify their role within the organization. The University Council will play a more central role in the new structure.
• The committee also suggested that all policy documents be made available in English, and we are working on this. Attention was also drawn to the relationship between chair group leaders and project leaders, which we will address.

We hope to build on this positive evaluation over the next five years.

Download rapport

The commission's full report can be downloaded from our website.