Motion about the VSL metrological institute adopted by the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has adopted a motion by MP Eppo Bruins (Christian Union) asking the government to investigate which unique scientific equipment and standards in the Van Swinden Laboratory (VSL) should be public property. The motion also asks the cabinet to make efforts to preserve knowledge and expertise in the field of metrology in the Netherlands and at VSL.

According to Bruins, a national metrology institute is part of the public infrastructure that is vital for the Dutch high-tech industry and the expertise that VSL has in-house is essential for the export of high-tech products.

Since VSL was sold to a commercial party, according to Bruins, Dutch high-tech companies have had major concerns about VSL and the 'extremely valuable and (historically) unique measurement standards that it possesses'. In addition to its unique measurement standards and setups, VSL also has the knowledge and expertise of highly specialist trained researchers.

FHI signals among its members also complaints about VSL. Do you also have complaints about VSL? Report your complaints/examples of your experiences with the Van Swinden Laboratory to us as soon as possible via this link. These will be bundled in a 'black book', which we can then contribute to discussions with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

For questions / more information, please contact Andreas Meijer, Deputy Director of Branches FHI.

The relevant motions:

 Motion about concerns about working conditions VSL
 (Amended) Motion on preserving knowledge and expertise in the field of metrology in the Netherlands