Reflections on the role of knowledge institutions in the past and present

The formal abolition of slavery in 1863 did not mark the end of colonial influence on Dutch institutions. On the contrary – the effects of the colonial past continue to shape knowledge structures, academic education, and healthcare to this day. Global health, too, is not a neutral discipline; it was formed within and through colonial power relations.

During the 2023 commemoration year, apologies were issued by governments, cities, and institutions. At the same time, space emerged for new research into the role of Dutch universities, medical faculties, and knowledge institutions within the colonial project. Increasingly, the following question is being raised: how do we move forward, beyond recognition? What does it mean to take responsibility for structural inequality rooted in the colonial past?

Navigating after the commemorative year
State and slavery and the Knowledge Agenda 2025 – 2035

Keynote lecture by Dr Esther Captain (KITLV Leiden)

Accountability
Context and content of the advisory report on Utrecht University and slavery

By Prof.dr Leen Dorsman (Utrecht University)

The colonial university
Wageningen University between the Netherlands, Suriname and Indonesia, 1876 – 2020

By Dr Larissa Schulte Nordholt (Wageningen University)

Utrecht University, Colony and the Cape
Extracting, accumulating, controlling, and circulating knowledge through the Via Sacra

By Dr Henk van Rinsum (Utrecht Universiteit)

Rabin, a Dayak from Sintang (Kalimantan), and other colonial human remains in the university's collections

By Dr Fenneke Sysling (Leiden University)

Diagnosing the legacy of Utrecht Medical School in the Dutch colonies
Research plans

By Dr Gani Jaelani (UMC Utrecht)