In April 2023, our very own VU Amsterdam became the second university in the world to ⁠cut research ties⁠ with the fossil fuel industry⁠⁠. The decision, and the launch of its ⁠⁠⁠Fossil Free Campaign, caused quite a stir among Dutch universities and in (inter)national media.

But how did this decision come about? And, perhaps more importantly, what happens after such a groundbreaking decision is made? Because, let's be honest, that's when the hard work starts...

Mathieu is joined by friend of the pod Professor Philipp Pattberg⁠ and ⁠Dr. Petra Verdonk⁠. Petra is Associate Professor at Amsterdam UMC, climate activist, and has been of trailblazers in the early days of the campaign. Together, they also reflect more broadly on the role of universities in tackling the climate crisis.