If scientific education and research into the Frisian language and culture (Frisian studies) is to have a future, the state must make a sustained investment in at least one independent bachelor's programme with the necessary staff, including a full-time Frisian professor. These scholars must have time to teach and conduct research. In addition, a Frisian Council should oversee the strengthening of cooperation in education and research. These are the main recommendations from the KNAW's report De toekomst fan de frisistiek.

Marit Bijlsma, coordinator of research funding and strategic cooperation and currently also acting managing-director of the Fryske Akademy, responds: "We are very pleased that a committee has been convened on the future of Frisian language and culture. With this, the government shows that it takes Frisian language and culture seriously and understands that there is a clear obligation of effort on the part of the State to strengthen Frisian studies."

Not a reserve
The new bachelor's must be sustainably financed by the state and not become a 'reserve': it must also be possible for students from other study programmes to take courses within this bachelor's programme.  Where possible, education can be enriched from the Fryske Akademy, from the special chairs at Utrecht University and the University of Amsterdam, and through cooperation with the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. Frisian should also be given a place in connecting master's programmes. 

Frisian Council
Cooperation between the universities, Fryske Akademy and NHL Stenden in the field of Frisian education and research could be improved. The committee advocates the establishment of a non-exempt consultative body, a Council for Frisistic Studies, in which (for now) Frisists from the Universityf of Groningen, the Fryske Akademy, NHL Stenden and the chair holders at the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University are represented. The KNAW also has concerns about fundamental research, which has almost disappeared at universities and is under pressure at the Fryske Akademy. The committee argues that funders of the Fryske Akademy should at least ensure stability and, if possible, strengthen it.

About the report
The report was produced by a KNAW committee led by philosopher and historian of science Keimpe Algra (Utrecht University). It is a follow-up to an earlier KNAW opinion Nederlands verdient meer (KNAW, 2019) about the position of Dutch studies.  earder KNAW-advys Nederlands verdient meer (KNAW, 2019) oer de posysje fan de nearlandistyk.

Meeting
On Tuesday 23 January (15:30, Statenzaal, Province house Leeuwarden), those involved will discuss the report's recommendations. Nelleke IJssennagger-van der Pluijm, managing-director of the Fryske Akademy, will also speak at the meeting. The meeting is open to everyone. However, registration is necessary.