WetenschapVeilig

Scientist

Do you have to deal with threats, hate speech or intimidation in response to your work? Would you like to know what you can do, and whom you can turn to?

Manager

What can you do if one of your staff members is faced with threats or intimidation (online or offline)? What is the best approach?

Employer

As employers, Dutch universities stated that they always report criminal offenses. But even threats and hate speech that do not overstep the limits of the law can have a major impact.

After I shared my latest paper on social media, my timeline was flooded with hateful comments. Sometimes it went way over the line; I even reported it to the police.

Hate reactions or even threats in response to your scientific work: unfortunately, it can happen to anyone. SafeScience provides a central platform for scientists at Dutch universities.

I was addressed by someone in the audience in a very intimidating way after my presentation at a public meeting. It suddenly became personal, that honestly scared me.

Intimidation and violence are not normal. It is not part of your job as a scientist. SafeScience offers tools for scientists, managers and employers to deal with this.

When you hear on TV that well-known scientists are escorted by the police, it's quite shocking. Subconsciously, you might start filtering what you can or can't say.

Academic freedom is im, but unfortunately it is under pressure from threats, intimidation and hate speech.

SafeScience provides a central hotline for scientists at Dutch universities and institutes of KNAW and NWO.